Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Providing Effective Legal Representation to Clients Charged with Robbery, Burglary, and Theft Crimes in Los Angeles County 

The California Penal Code and the state’s legal system define robbery as the stealing of another person’s property through the use of force or fear. The use of force or threat of violence is the primary factor that separates robbery offenses from theft and burglary crimes. Robbery charges are treated very seriously, particularly armed robbery charges, and can result in severe consequences if the defendant is convicted in a court of law. Those who have been charged with taking property that does not belong to them through threats or by causing bodily harm must seek professional legal guidance from experienced attorneys well-versed in handling robbery cases.

Robbery crimes are felonies under California law, and they can contribute to the state’s three-strikes rule, wherein a third felony conviction will result in a mandatory prison sentence. With so much on the line if found guilty of robbery, you must not take this matter into your own hands by representing yourself in the courtroom, and we must advise you to seek the representation of experienced criminal defense attorneys instead of relying on public defenders for your case.

Our law firm has extensive experience representing clients’ rights in various criminal defense matters, including robbery cases throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. As your legal representatives, we will work tirelessly to build a winning defense strategy that can keep you out of jail and help you secure the optimal outcome in your criminal case proceedings.

To learn more about our services and your legal options, please get in touch with our Southern California law office to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with our attorneys and staff today.

What Are the Differences Between Theft, Burglary, and Robbery Offenses in Southern California?

Before discussing robbery charges in California, it is essential to understand the distinctions between robbery, theft, and burglary cases. Many people may assume that these legal terms all relate to the same criminal acts. Still, the California Penal Code considers them to be separate crimes, each with its own unique penalties.

Burglary is defined as entering someone else’s home or property with the intent to commit theft or other criminal offenses while inside the property. The defendant may be charged with burglary even if they were unable to execute their intended offense. First-degree burglary is a felony in California, carrying a potential penalty of up to $10,000 in fines, between two and six years in state prison, and felony probation.

Theft occurs when another person’s property is taken, and the property owner may or may not have been present at the time of the theft. There are two primary types of theft under California law: petty theft and grand theft. Petty theft involves the illegal taking of property valued under $950. Grand theft is defined as the wrongful taking of property valued over $950. There may be certain exceptions, however, and we encourage you to consult our legal team for more information.

Robbery is like theft, but it requires that the property owner be present at the time of the criminal act and that the offense be committed by use of force or intimidation. Under the law, force does not require that a deadly weapon be used, and it does not necessarily require that physical violence occur. The use of fear and coercion can be enough for the police and prosecutors to charge an individual with robbery.

Certain other related offenses may be connected to robbery charges, including carjacking, kidnapping to commit robbery, and more.

How Does California Law Define Robbery Charges?

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.

What Are Some Examples of Robbery Cases? 

Examples of robbery cases that occur in Los Angeles include the following:

• The accused defendant threateningly demands another person’s purse or wallet
• A weapon was pressed against the back of an individual’s head in demand for money
• The robbery was committed in a private home or residence
• Money was stolen at the ATM after the alleged victim withdrew cash
• A passenger was robbed in a taxi cab or another form of public transportation
• Kidnapping a person with the intent to rob them
• The victim’s car was broken into, and the defendant is accused of carjacking in addition to robbery
• And more

Whichever way the alleged robbery occurred, you must seek professional legal assistance for help defending your rights and strengthening your case in preparation for trial. As your attorneys, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the facts, gather useful evidence, stay by your side throughout the entire legal process, and explore all options that could be utilized to defend your case.

What Are the Legal Penalties for a Los Angeles Robbery Conviction? 

Most robberies are considered felony offenses, carrying weighty penalties and lasting consequences. Common penalties for felony robbery include a prison sentence of two to ten years, costly fines, restitution to the victim, probation, counseling, and a “strike” on one’s 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.

What Effective Defense Strategies Could Be Used in Your Criminal Case?

Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys will explore all legal options to help defend your case and avoid the serious consequences of a criminal conviction. With a strong defense strategy, it may be possible to see charges reduced or potentially have the case dismissed.

Defense strategies that could be utilized in your case include the following:

• There was no use of force or fear in committing the crime. If your criminal defense lawyers can raise a reasonable doubt about physical force or intimidation, it may be possible to reduce the charges from robbery to theft
• Your robbery case is an example of mistaken identity or false accusations. Sometimes, an individual could be arrested because the accuser is acting in bad faith. In other situations, it may be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and mistakenly accused of a crime
• The ‘claim of right’ defense argues that you had a reasonable belief that you owned the property you are being accused of stealing. This type of defense relies upon proving that it was all a mistake or a misunderstanding
• If the prosecutors do not have convincing evidence, your lawyers can attempt to argue that insufficient evidence exists to secure a conviction
• Your robbery attorneys can raise questions about the arrest, including alleging that police misconduct or a breach of your civil rights occurred, which could make it possible to suppress specific evidence
• And more

Why Entrust Our Criminal Defense Lawyers with Your Theft, Robbery, or Burglary Case?

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.

Contact Our Law Firm to Request a Free Consultation with Our North Hollywood Robbery Lawyers Today

If you are caught in possession of property that does not belong to you, you may face harsh consequences for theft. If the theft of another person’s property was accomplished through force or fear, you may face even more dire penalties by being charged with robbery. A robbery conviction can come with many potential punishments, including costly fines, community service, a lifelong criminal history, and potentially several years in jail or even a life sentence.

Our criminal defense attorneys have a sterling track record of success and pride ourselves in thinking outside the box to come up with unique solutions in defense of our clients. To learn more about your rights and how we can help fight for your freedom, please contact us to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.

Schedule your free consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney today by calling Wegman & Levin APC at 818-495-8330.