Los Angeles Robbery Defense Attorneys

Top-Notch Defense Against Los Angeles Robbery Charges

Being accused of a crime can shake your life to its foundations and soil your good reputation. Accusations of robbery can result in fines, extended prison sentences, and having your right to vote taken from you.

Don’t let your freedom and rights be taken from you without a fight. You deserve a veteran legal team that delivers results for its clients time and time again.

Talk to the premier Los Angeles robbery defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. Call us at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free consultation today.

Why Choose Our Los Angeles Robbery Defense Attorneys?

Clients come to Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP because we deliver strategic, high-caliber defense in the toughest cases. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Since 1994, we’ve been trusted throughout California for defending clients in serious felony cases
• Mark J. Werksman, a former Deputy District Attorney and federal prosecutor, brings decades of insight into both state and federal law enforcement tactics
• Alan Jackson, former Assistant Head Deputy for the Major Crimes Division of the L.A. County DA’s Office, has handled some of the most publicized violent crime cases in Los Angeles
• Kelly Quinn, a certified specialist in writs and appeals, provides advanced post-conviction and appellate support when needed
• Multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers for criminal defense excellence
• AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, indicating the highest level of ethics and professional ability
• Extensive trial experience in cases involving robbery, assault, weapons enhancements, and gang allegations
• Known for representing celebrities, professionals, and high-stakes defendants in media-sensitive criminal cases
• Team-based defense approach, ensuring every aspect of your case is examined from multiple legal perspectives
• Discreet, strategic representation to manage both courtroom and public perception challenges

Types of Robbery Cases We Handle

We handle every form of robbery charge, from street-level accusations to complex, high-stakes cases.

Armed Robbery

Robbery is one of the most serious types of charge and involves the use or alleged use of a weapon—firearm, knife, or other object—to commit a theft. Armed robbery cases can lead to sentencing enhancements under Penal Code §12022.53, adding 10 to 25 years to a prison sentence.

Home Invasion Robbery

When someone is accused of entering an inhabited residence with the intent to rob the occupants, the charges often involve additional counts, such as burglary, kidnapping, or assault. These cases are heavily penalized and often prosecuted with special allegations.

Carjacking

Charged under Penal Code §215, carjacking is considered a form of robbery and carries the same severe penalties. These cases often turn on witness testimony, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence—areas in which our firm excels at cross-examination and suppression challenges.

Commercial Robbery

Robbery of businesses, banks, or retail stores typically involves security footage and eyewitnesses. We understand how to discredit faulty lineups, biased identifications, and improper police procedures.

Robbery With Gang Enhancements

If prosecutors believe the robbery was committed for the benefit of a gang, Penal Code §186.22 allows for enhanced penalties, including longer prison terms and parole restrictions. We fight to sever gang allegations and prevent them from poisoning a jury’s perception.

Robbery With Multiple Victims or Counts

Robbery can be charged multiple times in a single incident if several victims were present. Our legal team knows how to challenge these multiple counts and negotiate for a reduction to a single count or a lesser charge.

What Is Considered a Robbery?

California Penal Code 211 defines the crime of robbery as taking personal property from another individual’s person or immediate presence against the individual’s will and using force or fear in order to complete the criminal act. Under California law, robbery is always considered a felony offense.

For someone to be convicted of robbery, prosecutors must prove certain elements. For a crime to be considered a robbery, the following must have taken place:

• An individual unlawfully took property that was not his own.
• The property was in the possession of another person or persons.
• The individual in question took the property from the other person or that person’s immediate presence.
• The property was taken against the person’s will.
• The perpetrator used fear or force to take the property or prevent the person from resisting the criminal act.
• The action was intended to deprive the rightful owner of the property permanently or for a long enough time to deprive him or her of a large portion of its value.

The Use of Force or Fear

Robbery is distinguished from other theft crimes by the use of “force or fear.” For purposes of a robbery, “force” means using physical force. The use of fear means inducing the fear of injury to:

• the victim themself
• a family member or loved one of the victim
• the victim's property
• someone else present while the crime is being committed

If it is found that an accused individual used physical force and met the above qualifications of inducing fear into a victim, then he or she can be found guilty of committing a robbery.

What Are the Penalties for Committing Robbery?

Crimes of robbery are classified as either being “first-degree” or “second-degree” robbery. Both classifications have specific requirements that must be filled for an individual to be charged, and their own penalties.

Any of the following must have occurred for a person to be found guilty of first-degree robbery:

• The victim is a driver or passenger of a bus, taxi, cable car, streetcar, subway, or other for-hire transportation.
• The robbery takes place in an inhabited house, boat, or trailer.
• The robbery takes place while or immediately after the victim uses an ATM.

Penalties for first-degree robbery include:

• Felony probation.
• Three to six years in California state prison.
• A fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

All other forms of robbery that do not meet these criteria are considered second-degree robbery.

Penalties for second-degree robbery include:

• Felony probation.
• Two to five years in state prison.
• A fine of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

Case Results

Felony Charges – Dismissed

A Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP attorney obtained a dismissal for three defendants of all felony charges brought by the California Department of Insurance and Los Angeles County District Attorney. Charges were dismissed with prejudice at a preliminary hearing in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Corruption Accusation – Not Guilty, All Counts

Mark Werksman represented a longtime Los Angeles lobbyist and a former Los Angeles City Council aide, along with his wife, who were accused of corruption in an alleged scheme to help an elected official siphon thousands of dollars in public money for personal use. After a difficult trial and more than two days of deliberation, jurors found Mark’s client not guilty on all counts.

Laundering Drug Money – Probation, No Jail Time

Mark Werksman’s client was a Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time.

Client Success Stories

“Would Trust Them With My Life” - JoAnn G. (5-Star Yelp Review)

They're amazing [with] integrity [and] accessibility. They truly saved the life of someone I know. I recommend them beyond all. I would trust them with my life.

“They […] Get Results” - John H. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Amazing firm. They fight for true justice and get results!

“Phenomenal Defense Attorney!” - T Glaspie (5-Star Google Review)

Mr. Jackson is an extraordinarily phenomenal defense attorney! Extremely professional, poised, tenacious, and outright brilliant! Watching him litigate is a sight to see!

Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery in Los Angeles

What’s the difference between robbery and theft?

Robbery involves taking property directly from a person using force or fear. Theft, on the other hand, involves unlawfully taking property without confrontation. Because robbery includes intimidation or violence, it is classified as a violent felony with more severe penalties.

Can robbery charges be reduced to a lesser offense?

Yes. In some cases, robbery charges can be reduced to grand theft or petty theft, particularly if there was no weapon used and no physical harm. We pursue charge reductions through pre-trial negotiations, aggressive motions, and strategic plea arrangements.

What are the penalties for robbery in California?

First-degree robbery (e.g., of a person in a home or using public transportation) can carry 3 to 9 years in state prison. Second-degree robbery carries 2 to 5 years. Use of a firearm or causing injury can add decades to a sentence under enhancement statutes.

Is robbery a strike offense in California?

Yes. Robbery is classified as a violent felony and a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law. A first conviction significantly increases sentencing for any future felonies, and a third strike could mean 25 years to life.

Can juveniles be charged with robbery?

Yes. Juveniles can be charged and, in some cases, tried as adults for robbery—especially if weapons were involved or the alleged offense was gang-related. We have experience representing juveniles in both juvenile and adult court systems.

What if the weapon wasn’t real or never used?

Even if the weapon was a replica or never discharged, the presence or display of it can lead to robbery charges. The use of “fear” alone—threats, gestures, or implied violence—is enough to support a robbery charge.

Can I be charged if I was just the getaway driver?

Yes. Under California’s aiding and abetting doctrine, even someone who didn’t directly take property but helped plan, assist, or flee from the robbery can face the same charges as the person who committed the act.

Can robbery charges be dismissed before trial?

In some cases, yes, we may be able to have the charges dismissed through a lack of evidence motion, illegal search and seizure challenge, or negotiations with the District Attorney before trial. But every case is unique, so early intervention increases your options.

How soon should I hire a robbery defense attorney?

Immediately. Robbery cases move quickly in Los Angeles, and law enforcement will use every tactic—from surveillance to recorded statements—to build a case. The sooner we’re involved, the better we can protect your rights and shape the outcome of your case.

Accused of Robbery? Call a Top L.A. Defense Lawyer Right Away

False accusations and misunderstandings can ruin your reputation and take away your freedom. If you or a loved one has been accused of robbery in Los Angeles, you need a veteran legal team to protect your future. Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP has a track record of success.

Every case presents different challenges, but we are ready to help you. Call (213) 688-0460 to set up your free initial consultation with one of our top Los Angeles violent crime lawyers. A simple mistake, mistaken identity, or misunderstanding can ruin your life. Get Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP in your corner today.

Additional Information

• Navigating Robbery Charges in Los Angeles: Legal Defenses and Strategies