Armed robbery is a serious crime across the nation. It involves the forceful theft of someone’s property using violence or the threat of violence with a deadly weapon. Armed robbery can result in serious injury or even death and anyone convicted will be regarded as a highly dangerous criminal. To learn more about the best defenses you can employ during your armed robbery case, continue reading.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Armed Robbery Case?
It is highly recommended that anyone facing criminal charges work with a lawyer. The law is a complex thing and you will want someone with experience and skill working to defend your case. Armed robbery is one of the most serious violent crimes, and as you will read, the penalties are harsh. With the help of a York County, PA violent crime attorney you may be able to avoid the full extent of the court’s punishment. Contact a skilled attorney to begin building your case today.
Is Armed Robbery a Felony in PA?
Armed robbery is considered a felony in Pennsylvania. It is a violent crime that can carry severe consequences. Someone convicted of armed robbery in PA can expect to face a slew of penalties including extensive fines and up to 14 years in prison.
Depending on the circumstances of your case you may also lose the right to own a firearm. Any armed robbery conviction will result in a criminal record which can make it difficult to obtain employment or housing.
What Defenses Can Work in Court?
While there are defenses that have effectively been used against armed robbery charges, every case is unique. You and your lawyer will discuss the details of your specific circumstances to determine what your best chance will be. You may decide on one of the following defenses, a combination of multiple, or something entirely different. Some defenses you may choose to employ include:
- Innocence/alibi: If you can prove that you could not have committed the crime because you were elsewhere when it occurred, you may be able to have your charges dropped.
- Intoxication: If you were impaired by drugs or alcohol it may have had a large effect on your judgement. A court may not find you guilty if you were intoxicated, especially if the intoxication was involuntary.
- Entrapment: If you were coerced into committing the crime by a government agent and can prove it, you could have an effective defense.
- Duress: Someone may have pressured you into committing the robbery through scare tactics and threatening bodily harm. You may be able to have your charges reduced in this case.
- The weapon was not real: If you committed the robbery with the use of a fake or toy gun, your lawyer could argue that you did not intend to harm anyone and could have your charges lessened to a lower degree of robbery.
