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Penalties for robbery depend on prior convictions and the severity of the crime:
Repeat offenders face significantly longer sentences, with armed robbery convictions reaching up to 28 years. According to Arizona guidelines, persons with outstanding restitution payments are subject to an extension in their probationary period of up to five years for a felony and up to two years for a misdemeanor.
For determining sentences, Arizona law distinguishes types of robbery into three categories: basic robbery, aggravated, and armed. A defense lawyer will help you determine the type of robbery and plan the best defense for the charges you may face.
If you would like to discuss options on your case and how we can provide legal help, contact The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer today
For someone to commit robbery, the perpetrator must take the property of another against his or her will. This can include the use of threats or physical force, as well as coercing the other party to give up the property.
A robbery is a Class 4 felony charge. For first-time offenders, the sentence can be between one to 3.75 years in prison. For those with previous felony convictions, jail time can be for 2.25 to 7.5 years.
Aggravated robbery refers to a robbery committed with one or more accomplices present at the scene. The same basic qualifications for standard robbery must apply.
This crime is a Class 3 felony charge. The minimum sentence time for first-time offenders is two years in prison with a maximum of 8.75 years. For repeat offenders, the minimum sentence is 3.5 years while the maximum is 16.25. If you need help after an arrest in Arizona for any of these three charges, contact an experienced Glendale criminal defense lawyer.
As the name suggests, an armed robbery occurs when someone conducts robbery while in possession of a lethal weapon or with the threat of deadly force. The victim does not need to see the weapon for a robbery to be armed, so long as the weapon was on the perpetrator’s person at the time of the crime.
Armed robberies carry the most severe sentences and are Class 2 felony charges. Prison time will range between seven and 21 years for a first-time offender and range between 14 and 28 years for those with previous felonies.
In addition to jail time, the court may also sentence additional fines, restitution, or other punishments deemed necessary based on the extent of the crime. A sentence will also consider the value of items stolen during the robbery under laws pertaining to theft.
An armed robbery can become a robbery when a weapon is used, displayed, or implied in the crime. Even if the weapon is not real, presenting an item in a way that causes the victim to reasonably believe it is a weapon can elevate the charge to armed robbery.
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Robbery charges may be reduced or dismissed based on case specifics. If no weapon was used, the charge may be downgraded from armed robbery to robbery. If there was no physical harm, a lesser charge, such as theft, may be considered. Plea deals may allow defendants to plead guilty to a reduced charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Depending on the case, several defenses may apply to robbery charges. Lack of intent is one possible defense because the prosecution must be able to prove that the defendant deliberately used force to commit theft.
Theft, burglary, and robbery are three distinct crimes with different legal repercussions, though people use them in everyday conversation interchangeably.
Theft is whenever someone takes property from another without authorization. It usually involves the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Arizona law refers to acts of thievery as “larceny” and classifies them as crimes against property. A theft conviction can have a significant impact on your life, speak with a theft offenses attorney who can help you defend your case.
Though often equated with theft, it does not have to involve the act of theft or stealing. Instead, burglary is the unlawful entry into a structure with the intent of committing a crime. The person does not even need to commit the crime to receive a charge of burglary. Like theft, burglary is a crime against property.
Robbery is theft someone commits through the use of force or fear. Someone swiping a wallet off a counter would be theft; someone taking a wallet by threatening another person or ripping it from the other person’s hand would be robbery. Because of the force involved, robbery is a crime against persons.
Although there are different types of robbery, some of them are more common than others. According to data from the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, larceny-theft is one of the most common types of robbery. Each year there are more than 7 million reported cases of larceny-theft in the U.S. Burglary ranks second as one of the most common types of robbery, with a reported 2 million cases each year.
Since robbery results in severe legal consequences, a conviction can greatly affect a perpetrator’s life. An incorrect verdict in such a case could severely damage the defendant’s future. Possible defenses for any robbery include an alibi of the defendant’s presence elsewhere, a lack of intent, and a violation of the defendant’s rights during the investigation.
Swift action is necessary to reduce the potential consequences of robbery. If you or a loved one is facing a robbery charge, you should seek the help of one of our criminal defense attorneys immediately. Contact us to have your rights explained, determine your most likely court outcome, and offer an unrelenting defense.
If no weapon was present, the charge could be reduced from armed robbery to robbery. If there is no physical damage, a lesser theft charge might apply. Plea deals can enable defendants to plead guilty to a lesser charge for a lighter sentence. Cooperating with authorities and having a squeaky-clean record can also help when it comes to charge reductions.
In a robbery case, a so-called “serious threat” is an act that would cause a victim to fear immediate harm. Arizona courts evaluate spoken threats, physical intimidation, and showing weapons that can be real or fake. The offense may be elevated if a victim reasonably believes they are in danger.
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Experienced Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney
John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.
Years of experience: +30 years
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney John Phebus, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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