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If you’ve been accused of hurting someone during a theft, you need an attorney that is experienced in robbery offenses. Robbery is a felony in Pennsylvania that involves using force, hurting someone, or threatening harm during the commission of a theft. It’s a violent crime that could land you in prison. It should be handled by an experienced criminal defense attorney with a history of successful results in robbery cases.
Michael J. Skinner is a strong advocate for those accused of a robbery in West Chester. He’ll gather and scrutinize all the available evidence, weigh all the facts, and leave no stone unturned in developing the strongest possible defense strategy. As a former prosecutor, he knows how prosecutors think and handle robbery charges in and around Chester County, PA. He knows what steps to take to pursue a dismissal, acquittal, or lenient sentence.
Call Skinner Law Firm today at (610) 436-1410 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Under 18 P.S. §3701, robbery is a theft crime. Specifically, while during the commission of a theft, a person also:
Under Pennsylvania law, these actions can happen while attempting a theft or during the flight afterward.
Robbery and burglary are two distinct crimes. Burglary constitutes a person entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime. People often associate burglary with theft. However, theft is only one of many crimes the offender might intend to perpetrate inside the building.
Robbery is a felony, though the degree depends on the type of robbery.
If you allegedly physically took or removed property by force, even slight force, you’ll be charged with a felony in the third-degree. If you allegedly inflict bodily injury, intentionally put them in fear of immediate bodily injury, or took money from a financial institution, then you’ll be charged with a second-degree felony.
Any other circumstances of robbery is a first-degree felony.
Robbery of a motor vehicle, also known as carjacking, constitutes stealing a motor vehicle from another person and in the presence of that person or another individual who has lawful possession of the vehicle. This is a first-degree felony under 18 P.S. §3702.
If you are accused of using or threatening to use a deadly weapon during a robbery, you face enhanced sentencing if convicted.
Armed robbery isn’t a separate offense. Instead, the presence of the deadly weapon, such as a firearm, knife, or another instrument that can be used to inflict serious bodily injury or death, means you face a longer term of imprisonment under the deadly weapon enhancement.
Robbery can be charged as a first-, second-, or third-degree felony.
By partnering with a robbery defense lawyer, you improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your case, whether that’s a dismissal, acquittal, or mitigating consequences. In some circumstances, a conviction is likely, but it’s still best to move forward with an attorney. An experienced defense lawyer can argue for a lenient sentence, limit evidence against you, and help you avoid the harshest possible consequences.
Because you face years or decades in prison, it’s important to hire a robbery defense lawyer to aggressively pursue the best possible outcome in your case. If you’ve been wrongfully accused and there’s little-to-no evidence against you, your attorney might work with the prosecutor to have the charges dropped or ask the judge to dismiss the case.
If the prosecutor has probable cause and is intent on moving forward, then your lawyer can prepare a vigorous defense in pursuit of an acquittal. Just because you have been charged does not mean you will be convicted.
Various defenses your robbery lawyer might use include:
Whether you’re being investigated or have been charged with felony robbery, it is best to hire a West Chester robbery attorney right away. Michael J. Skinner will protect your rights throughout the court process. He will scrutinize the evidence and charges against you, look for flaws in the prosecution’s case, and aggressively defend you in court.
Call Skinner Law Firm at (610) 436-1410 or contact us online if you are charged in or around Chester County, PA to set up your free initial consultation.