Los Angeles Armed Robbery Defense Attorneys

Charged With Armed Robbery in Los Angeles?

The city of Los Angeles is the scene of a large number of armed robberies each year. In 2020 alone, nearly 45,000 cases of robberies were reported, and data shows that robberies involving firearms have increased 16%. Armed robbery is a serious crime in California and can be punishable by up to life in prison. If you have been charged with this crime, it is important to contact a qualified Los Angeles armed robbery attorney as soon as possible.

If you have been charged with armed robbery, contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced violent crime defense attorneys will carefully review your case and advise you of your options. Call us at (213) 688-0460 or contact us online to get started.

What Is Armed Robbery?

Armed robbery is a type of robbery where the perpetrator of the robbery has a weapon. This can be anything from a gun to a knife to a baseball bat. The point is to make the victim afraid for their life or safety so that they will comply with the robber’s demands.

California Penal Code 211 defines armed robbery as the taking of property from another person or entity while using or threatening the use of force or violence.

Penalties for Armed Robbery

There are different degrees of armed robbery, and the penalties vary depending on the severity of the crime. Generally, armed robbery is a felony and can lead to prison time as well as other penalties.

Contributing factors can affect the classification and penalties, such as whether a weapon was actually used or merely brandished, the type of weapon involved, whether the victim sustained any injuries, the amount of money or property taken, etc.

A first-degree armed robbery is the most serious type of offense and typically has a maximum of nine years in prison. A second-degree armed robbery is also a felony but is not as serious as first-degree armed robbery. Second-degree armed robbery is typically punishable by two to five years in prison.

In the event that a gun was used in the robbery and was fired, the convicted person will likely face a much harsher sentence under California law. Such convictions can carry up to 20 years in prison, and an armed robbery that resulted in death can carry anywhere from 25 years to life in prison.

Common Defenses for Armed Robbery

When charged with armed robbery in Los Angeles, you will be facing some very serious penalties if convicted. However, all is not lost as a number of defenses can be raised in order to fight the charges. An experienced Los Angeles robbery defense lawyer will be familiar with these defenses and will know how to use them to your advantage. One common defense for armed robbery is that the defendant did not use force. Other defenses include:

• The defendant believed the property was theirs
• False accusation
• Mistaken identity

Each of these defenses has different elements that must be proven in order to be successful. An experienced attorney will know how to investigate the facts of your case and build a strong defense on your behalf.

A Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

If you have been accused of armed robbery, you could be facing serious penalties. As such, it is important to have an experienced Los Angeles armed robbery lawyer on your side. Our skilled attorneys will work alongside you to ensure that your rights are protected. Don’t delay—contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.