Robbery is a serious criminal charge that results from taking someone’s property by force or threat of force. Prosecutors often aggressively pursue serious penalties for these types of charges, which is why securing legal representation from a Chula Vista robbery lawyer is critical for protecting your rights.
The trial-ready legal team of Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys brings decades of experience to your service. We know the tactics prosecutors use to intimidate defendants, and we don’t let their actions get in the way of defending our clients. Defending against robbery charges requires a strategic approach that chips away at the prosecution’s case.
If the facts of your case show that you did not commit a crime, we can use evidence and legal arguments to ask the court to drop your case. If the stolen property is less valuable than the prosecution claims, we can argue that your charges should be reduced. As your Chula Vista criminal defense attorney, our goal is to secure the most favorable outcome possible so you do not have to worry about facing the harshest penalties under the law.
Robbery involves taking another person’s property against their will by using force or fear. California law defines two degrees of robbery, with attempted robbery also being a chargeable offense.
First-degree robbery occurs in specific situations, such as:
Second-degree robbery includes all other types of robbery and is a felony, though less severe than first-degree robbery. Robbery is a violent crime under California’s Three Strikes Law, meaning a conviction can result in severe penalties. The charge applies only if the victim was present. If no one was present, the case may instead be classified as theft or burglary, which can carry lesser consequences.
Robbery charges require proof that property was taken from another person by using force or intimidation. A strong defense challenges the prosecution’s evidence, and an attorney may argue mistaken identity, lack of intent, or false accusations, depending on the case. If the accused was misidentified or not present at the scene, alibi evidence can dispute the claims.
Another defense is lack of force or fear. If no threats or violence occurred, the charge may not meet the legal definition of robbery. Similarly, proving ownership or right to the property may weaken the prosecution’s case.
In some cases, law enforcement violations, such as illegal searches, coerced confessions, or lack of probable cause, may lead to evidence being excluded. Every case depends on specific facts, and the strength of the prosecution’s case determines the available defense strategies. Analyzing witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports is critical when challenging robbery allegations.
Criminal defense attorneys bring invaluable experience and knowledge that can prevent you from being convicted of a serious crime. They can explain the potential outcomes of your case and recommend defense strategies. By providing clear answers, they can add clarity about your case so you are well-informed about the decisions you make.
Your attorney in Chula Vista can investigate the situation, speak to witnesses, and gather new evidence that supports your defense. They also understand how to look for weaknesses and inconsistencies in the prosecution’s argument. In some cases, they can have evidence found to be inadmissible in court if it was collected in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights.
A: The three elements of robbery are taking property from another person, using force or intimidation, and acting with intent. The prosecution must establish all elements beyond a reasonable doubt. If any element is unproven, the charge may not hold up in court. By casting doubt on any of these three elements, your attorney can bolster your defense.
A: The minimum sentence for robbery varies based on the circumstances of the case. Robbery is considered a serious offense in California. The severity of the charge depends on factors like whether a weapon was involved or if the alleged victim was injured. A defense attorney can build a strategy to have your charges reduced or dropped.
A: Yes, California law imposes a statute of limitations on robbery cases, but the timeframe depends on the classification of the offense. More serious charges may have a longer or even unlimited timeframe for prosecution. If too much time has passed since the alleged incident, a defense attorney may argue for a case dismissal based on the statute of limitations.
A: Common defenses include lack of intent, false accusations, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. A lawyer might also challenge witness testimony, surveillance footage, or how law enforcement handled the investigation. Every case is unique. A strong defense strategy can be critical for reducing charges or securing a favorable outcome.
A: Yes. Robbery can be reduced to a lesser charge if the prosecution lacks strong evidence of force, intimidation, or intent. In some cases, charges may be lowered to theft or attempted theft if the alleged victim was not directly confronted or if no physical harm occurred. A defense attorney can negotiate for a reduced charge by challenging the evidence, proving mistaken identity, or demonstrating that no robbery actually took place.
Being charged with robbery does not mean that serving time in jail is a foregone conclusion. A skilled attorney from Lee Law Group DUI & Criminal Attorneys can fight your charges. For decades, our defense attorneys have resolved cases for Chula Vista defendants on favorable terms. We never rush through cases or pressure clients into accepting unfavorable plea deals.
We understand that you value your reputation and freedom. Don’t settle for a law firm that doesn’t put your interests first. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation so we can learn about your case and prepare to defend you in court.