Philadelphia Robbery Defense Lawyer

Whether the crime being alleged is a bank robbery, a home invasion, a mugging, or an act of trespassing, the bottom line for defendants is the same: costly fines, long prison sentences, and the creation of a criminal record that could interfere with important parts of your daily life if convicted. If you or someone you love has been charged with robbery in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, it is crucial to get experienced legal help immediately, before it is too late to take action.

Robbery is a severe crime and carries severe penalties under Pennsylvania law. If you are convicted of robbery, depending on the severity of the act, you could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000. It is important to have an experienced Philadelphia robbery lawyer on your side if you are charged with this crime. The Liberty Law Team has the knowledge and experience to aggressively defend your rights and freedoms from start to finish and ensure that you get the best possible representation. Give us a call today at (215) 732-3474.

Robbery vs. Burglary in Philadelphia

Many people believe the words “robbery” and “burglary” mean the same thing. While it’s fine to use these terms interchangeably in everyday conversation, they have different meanings under the law – and carry different penalties – when a person is being criminally charged. If your loved one has been arrested, or if you have been charged with one of these offenses, it’s important to understand exactly what you are being accused of committing.

Burglary in Pennsylvania specifically involves entering a building (or other type of property) with intent to commit a crime. For this reason, burglary is sometimes referred to as breaking and entering, or housebreaking. It is a defense to burglary charges that the building was abandoned, although other criminal charges related to the trespass may still be possible.

On a related note, it’s important to point out that burglary is not the same as criminal trespass. Criminal trespass is charged when a person unlawfully enters, lingers in, or breaks into a building without “intent to commit a crime therein,” which is a vital component of burglary charges.

In Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth may bring robbery charges against a defendant who is accused of one of the following while the defendant is committing a theft:

• Causes or threatens “bodily injury” to another person. Bodily injury has a very broad definition, because it includes any “impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.”
• Causes “serious bodily injury” to another person. Serious bodily injury specifically involves causing either:
• High risk of death.
• “Serious, permanent disfigurement.”
• Long-term loss of/damage to an organ, body part, or bodily function.
• Threatens another person with serious bodily injury.
• Commits or tries to commit any second or first degree felony, which doesn’t necessarily have to involve stealing (e.g. rape, aggravated assault).
• Physically takes away another person’s property by means of force, “however slight.”

In short, robbery can be summarized as theft plus an additional felony or some element of violence, force, or injury. Theft which does not involve any of these elements is not categorized as robbery.

Because robbery often involves using a deadly weapon (armed robbery) and/or injuring another person, it is possible that the defendant could also be charged with simple assault, aggravated assault, and/or weapons crimes. Furthermore, if the defendant robs federal property – for instance, robbing a federal bank – he or she could also be charged with federal crimes, which are typically subject to far harsher penalties than state crimes.

What is Considered Robbery in Philadelphia?

Robbery is considered a theft crime under Pennsylvania law. Unlike burglary, robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force against a victim for stolen property. This can include physical violence, such as hitting, kicking, or brandishing a weapon. If you have been accused of robbery, it is essential to consult with an experienced Philadelphia robbery lawyer who can protect your rights and help you navigate the criminal justice system after a robbery charge.

The type of robbery you are accused of will determine the penalties you face if convicted. In Pennsylvania, there are three degrees of robbery:

Robbery in the First Degree

This is the most serious type of robbery and is a felony offense. First-degree robbery occurs when someone robs a person who is not armed, and they cause serious bodily injury to the victim or put them in fear of immediate serious bodily injury. Sometimes it can be committed with the use of a deadly weapon which makes this an instance of armed robbery. A First-degree felony carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Robbery in the Second Degree

Second-degree robbery is also a felony offense. It occurs when someone robs a person who is not armed and they cause bodily injury to the victim or puts them in fear of imminent bodily injury. A second-degree felony carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Robbery in the Third Degree

This is the least serious type of robbery and is a misdemeanor offense. Third-degree robbery occurs when someone robs a person who is not armed while using the threat of violence to coerce action. A third-degree felony carries a sentence of up to 7 years in prison.

If you are facing any type of robbery charges, it is important to contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A robbery conviction can result in significant jail time, so it is important to have a knowledgeable and aggressive defense attorney on your side who will fight for your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system.

Criminal Penalties for a Robbery Conviction in Philadelphia

A robbery conviction can have serious social and legal consequences. The most obvious consequence is the possibility of incarceration. If you are convicted of robbery, you face the possibility of spending years in prison. In addition to incarceration, a robbery conviction can also lead to a loss of your driver’s license, loss of your right to vote, and difficulties finding employment.

Burglary, criminal trespass, and robbery collectively cover a wide range of offense classifications, spanning from low-level misdemeanors to extremely serious felonies.

That being said, even a comparatively “minor” misdemeanor has the potential to result in a devastating sentence and fine, to say nothing of the miscellaneous consequences which can result from having a criminal record. Even though numerous state and federal laws have been enacted to prevent lending, housing, and employment discrimination against individuals with criminal convictions, the unfortunate reality is that people with criminal records often face major hurdles when it comes to being approved for loans, finding housing, and getting hired for jobs.

The Social Consequences of a Robbery Conviction

A robbery conviction can also have serious social consequences. If you are convicted of robbery, you will have a criminal record. This can make it difficult to obtain loans, rent an apartment, or even get a job. A criminal record can also make it difficult to travel outside of the United States.

What Defenses Are Commonly Used By Lawyers for Robbery Charges?

Robbery is a serious charge in Pennsylvania. If you are convicted, you face the possibility of significant prison time and detrimental consequences to your life. There are a number of different defenses that can be used by robbery lawyers in a robbery case, but some are more common than others. One of the most common defenses is to argue that the defendant did not have the intent to commit robbery. This can be difficult to prove, but if criminal attorneys can show the defendant intended to take property and not to harm anyone, it may be enough to get the charges reduced or even dismissed.

Another common defense is intoxication. If the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the robbery, they may be able to use that as a defense. This is because intoxication can make it difficult for a person to form the intent to commit a crime. If the defendant can prove that they were too intoxicated to know what they were doing, it may be enough to get the charges reduced or dismissed.

Entrapment is another defense that can be used in robbery cases. This occurs when the police lure a person into committing a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. If the defendant can show that they were entrapped, it may be enough to get the charges reduced or dismissed.

There are other defenses that can be used in a robbery case, but these are some of the most common. If you have been charged with robbery, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you decide which defenses may be applicable in your situation.

Contact Our Philadelphia Robbery Defense Attorneys Today

A robbery lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system, ensuring that you receive a fair trial. They will also work in your best interest, whether that means challenging the prosecution’s case or negotiating a plea deal. Don’t risk your future by trying to go it alone—hire a robbery lawyer today. Call the Liberty Law Team at (215) 732-3474 to schedule a consultation with our experienced robbery lawyer Lonny Fish, who has secured numerous acquittals.