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 even have your right to vote taken from you.

Don’t let your freedom and rights be taken from you without a fight. Talk to the premier Los Angeles robbery defense attorneys at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP. You deserve a veteran legal team that delivers results for its clients time and time again. Call us at (213) 688-0460 to schedule a free consultation today.

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 him or herself
• 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).

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 a top Los Angeles violent crime lawyer. A simple mistake, mistaken identity, or misunderstanding can ruin your life. Get Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP in your corner today.