Robbery Charges in California
Under California state law, robbery refers to the illegal taking of someone else’s personal property through violence or intimidation. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, you could face aggravated robbery, armed robbery, or simple robbery charges. Any robbery taking place in an inhabited dwelling (i.e., house, apartment, trailer, etc.) or against the operator of any vehicle is considered first-degree robbery. Additionally, robberies occurring near an ATM or involving a carjacking qualify as robbery in the first degree. Second-degree robbery applies to any other type of robbery.
Penalties for a Robbery Conviction
Most robberies are considered felony offenses, carrying weighty penalties and lasting consequences. Common penalties for felony robbery include: A two- to ten-year prison sentence; costly fines; restitution to the victim; probation; counseling; and receiving a “strike” on your criminal record. You could also face the permanent revocation of your driver’s license and forfeit your right to purchase or possess a firearm. Even after serving the terms of your sentence, you could face barriers to employment and housing opportunities.
Keeping the Future Bright
While facing robbery charges can be stressful, don’t despair just yet. The highly skilled criminal defense team at Wegman & Levin is ready to help you navigate the criminal justice system and fight to keep your future bright. As soon as you know that you’re facing robbery charges in the Los Angeles area, contact our office to begin preparing for your defense.
