blog home Violent Crime Navigating Robbery Charges in Los Angeles: Legal Defenses and Strategies

Navigating Robbery Charges in Los Angeles: Legal Defenses and Strategies

By Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney on August 24, 2025

Being charged with robbery in Los Angeles is a serious matter. Robbery is considered a violent felony in California, carrying the possibility of state prison, a strike under the Three Strikes Law, and lifelong consequences.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we have extensive experience representing clients accused of violent felonies across Southern California. Our attorneys are renowned for providing aggressive courtroom defense, attention to detail, and positive results in some of the most complex and high-profile criminal cases.

Understanding Robbery Under California Law

Under California Penal Code § 211, robbery is defined as: “The felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his or her person or immediate presence, and against his or her will, accomplished by means of force or fear.”

To prove robbery, the prosecution must establish:

• The property belonged to someone else
• It was taken from their immediate presence
• Against their will
• Through the use of force or fear
• With the intent to permanently deprive the person of it

Because robbery involves confrontation and coercion, it is classified as a violent crime, even if no physical harm occurs.

Degrees of Robbery in California

There are two degrees of robbery under California robbery laws.

First-Degree Robbery

First-degree robbery involves one of the following:

• Victim is a driver or passenger of a public transport vehicle (bus, taxi, rideshare)
• Robbery occurs in an inhabited dwelling (house, apartment, hotel room)
• Victim is using or just finished using an ATM

Penalties for First-Degree Robbery

• 3, 4, or 6 years in state prison
• Strike under the Three Strikes Law
• Possible sentence enhancements if a weapon was used

Second-Degree Robbery

All other forms of robbery fall under second-degree robbery.

Penalties for Second-Degree Robbery

• 2, 3, or 5 years in state prison
• Strike offense
• Possible enhancements for gang involvement, weapons, or bodily injury

Procedural Considerations in Robbery Cases

Defending against a robbery charge isn’t just about what happened. It’s also about how the prosecution builds its case. A skilled criminal defense attorney will scrutinize every aspect of the investigation and pre-trial process.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we evaluate every procedural angle. We’ve secured charge dismissals and acquittals by exposing illegal searches, flawed witness testimony, and gaps in the state’s timeline.

Eyewitness Reliability

Robbery cases often rely on victim or bystander identification, which can be highly unreliable. Cross-racial identification, poor lighting, stress, or leading questions from police can all result in mistaken identity.

Chain of Custody and Evidence Collection

Was the alleged stolen property properly documented and secured? Any break in the chain of custody or contamination of physical evidence can lead to evidence suppression.

Search and Seizure Violations

If law enforcement obtained evidence without a valid warrant or probable cause, a motion to suppress can exclude key evidence—sometimes crippling the prosecution’s case.

Miranda Violations and Coerced Statements

Statements made during or after arrest may be inadmissible if the accused was not properly advised of their rights or was coerced during questioning.

Effective Legal Defenses

Mounting a successful robbery defense requires a carefully tailored legal strategy.

Lack of Force or Fear

Robbery requires the use of force or fear. If the alleged taking involved stealth (e.g., pickpocketing or snatching an item with no physical struggle), the proper charge may be theft, not robbery. That distinction can dramatically reduce the penalties you are facing.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness accounts are often inaccurate. We challenge identifications using surveillance footage, cellphone records, GPS data, or alibi witnesses to show our client was not at the scene.

False Accusations

Some robbery charges stem from personal disputes, misunderstandings, or deliberate lies. We investigate the background of the accuser and uncover motives for fabrication, such as retaliation or financial gain.

Claim of Right

If a person believed the property was rightfully theirs—even if mistaken—they may not have had the intent required for robbery. This can be a defense if the incident involved a dispute over ownership.

Insufficient Evidence

Even if there was a confrontation, the prosecution must prove every element of robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. Weak or circumstantial evidence may not meet that standard.

What to Do If You’re Accused of Robbery in Los Angeles

Robbery charges are high-stakes—your freedom, your future, and your reputation are all on the line. If you’re under investigation or have been arrested, take the following steps immediately:

1. Do Not Talk to Police – Anything you say can be used against you, even if you’re trying to explain or clarify.
2. Avoid Contact With Witnesses – Attempts to explain or reach out can be interpreted as witness tampering.
3. Document Your Alibi – Preserve texts, photos, or other data that show where you were.
4. Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately – Early legal intervention often leads to better outcomes.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we take immediate action by conducting our own investigation, protecting your rights, and controlling the narrative before the prosecution builds momentum.

The Right Legal Representation Can Make a Huge Difference

A robbery conviction often has a ripple effect far beyond jail time. It could impact the following:

• Employment opportunities
• Housing eligibility
• Immigration status
• Parental rights
• Gun rights

Finding a law firm with a track record of success in high-stakes criminal cases is essential. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we combine decades of courtroom experience, strategic thinking, and meticulous preparation to create real leverage—whether it’s negotiating a reduction or winning at trial.

Speak With One of Our Trusted Robbery Defense Attorneys in Los Angeles Today

If you have been charged with robbery or another violent offense, time is of the essence. Let Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP lead the way. The sooner you act, the more opportunities exist to suppress evidence, secure favorable plea terms, or achieve full dismissal.

Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP at (213) 688-0460 for a case evaluation. Our Los Angeles robbery defense lawyers are ready to stand between you and the government—and fight to protect your rights, your record, and your future.