Robbery Attorney in West Palm Beach
Aggressively Fighting to Protect Our Clients’ Rights & Freedom
Robbery is a felony offense that can lead to state or federal charges. If you have been charged with robbery in West Palm Beach, it is important to seek legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., our legal team is known for our commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and proven track record of success. We understand that facing a felony charge can be overwhelming and intimidating, so we strive to provide compassionate representation and support every step of the way. Our attorney is highly experienced in dealing with robbery cases at both the state and federal level and understands what strategies work best when defending against these charges.
Whether you are under investigation or have been arrested, you should contact our attorney sooner rather than later. Once you retain our services, our firm can:
- carefully review your case,
- assess all police reports and evidence,
- conduct a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the arrest,
- prepare an aggressive defense strategy tailored to your unique needs, and
- work to help you achieve the best possible case results.
Learn more about how our West Palm Beach robbery attorney can help you. Call (561) 902-1122 to schedule an initial consultation.
What Constitutes Robbery in Florida?
People often say they have been “robbed” when someone else has taken their property, but a robbery, under Florida law, is more than just a theft. Robbery is defined in Florida Statute § 812.13. Under this statute, a robbery occurs when a person takes money or property from another person with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the person of the property, and during the course of taking the property, the offender uses force, violence, assault, or other methods to instill fear in the other party.
Types of Robbery Offenses
Depending on the specifics of the robbery (such as whether the accused carries a weapon), there are several types of robbery charges a person can face, including:
- Robbery. Robbery, also referred to as strong-arm robbery, involves robbing a person without the use of a firearm, deadly weapon, or weapon; this offense is a second-degree felony.
- Robbery by Sudden Snatching. This offense occurs when a person takes someone else’s money or property and in the midst of the act, the supposed victim becomes aware of the taking. With this charge, the prosecution is not required to show that the offender used excessive force or that the supposed victim resisted the theft in some way or was injured during the robbery. Robbery by sudden snatching is a third-degree felony; however, if the defendant carried a firearm or deadly weapon, the offense is enhanced to a second-degree felony.
- Robbery with a Deadly Weapon. If, during the commission of a robbery, the offender is in possession of a deadly weapon, the robbery is enhanced to a first-degree felony.
- Robbery with a Firearm. If, during the commission of a robbery, a person is in possession of a firearm, the robbery is enhanced to a first-degree felony with a mandatory 10-year prison sentence. Under this statute, a person commits the crime by possessing the firearm during the robbery, regardless of whether the person actually uses the firearm to carry out the robbery.
- Home-Invasion Robbery. Under Florida Statute § 812.135, a home-invasion robbery refers to any robbery that involves a person entering a dwelling with the intent to commit a robbery and then committing a robbery in the dwelling. This offense is a first-degree felony. If the person was in possession of a firearm or other deadly weapon, the maximum sentence imposed can be increased to life imprisonment.
- Carjacking. Under Florida Statute § 812.1353, carjacking occurs when a person takes another person’s motor vehicle, with intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the person of the motor vehicle, using force, violence, assault, or fear. The offense of carjacking is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years of imprisonment. If, during the commission of a carjacking, a person is in possession of a deadly weapon, then the offense is punishable by up to life imprisonment. If the deadly weapon is a firearm, the offense carries a mandatory 10-year prison sentence.
Punishment for Robbery in Florida
In Florida, the penalties for felonies vary depending on the degree of the felony.
- First-degree felonies are generally punishable by up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000. In some cases, due to sentencing enhancements, life imprisonment may be imposed. For example, the maximum sentence for home-invasion robbery with a deadly weapon and carjacking with a deadly weapon is life imprisonment.
- Second-degree felonies are punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felonies are punishable by up to five years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000
In addition to imprisonment and hefty fines, felony convictions can have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on your life. From difficulty obtaining employment or secondary education opportunities to the loss of professional licenses, those convicted of felonies can face collateral consequences that affect their ability to fully participate in society. As the criminal and social consequences of a robbery are hefty, it is imperative that you retain a reliable attorney who can help you mount a solid, tailored defense.
Comprehensive Robbery Defense
At the Law Offices of Greg Rosenfeld, P.A., our attorney has decades of legal experience and has successfully handled thousands of criminal defense cases. If you or a loved one are under investigation or have been arrested on robbery charges in state or federal court in Florida, you can trust our firm with the case.
We will zealously advocate for you and use our knowledge and experience to help you achieve the best possible case results. Our team is prepared to build a strong defense strategy on your behalf and to work tirelessly to protect your rights during the criminal investigation and in court.
Call (561) 902-1122 to get started on your case and speak with our West Palm Beach robbery lawyer.