St. Johns County Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer
Facing Armed Robbery Charges in St. Johns County, FL?
Because armed robbery involves the use of a weapon, it is considered a more serious crime than robbery. Armed robbery is a first-degree felony, while robbery is a second-degree felony. The penalties for armed robbery are much more severe than those for robbery.
If you have been charged with armed robbery, you must take immediate action to protect your rights and future. At First Coast Criminal Defense, our St. Johns County armed robbery attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight the charges against you. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our office at (904) 474-3115 or contact us online today to request a free, confidential consultation with one of our armed robbery attorneys in St. Johns County.
What is the Difference Between Robbery & Armed Robbery?
Robbery and armed robbery are two distinct crimes in Florida. While both are serious offenses, armed robbery is considered more severe and carries harsher penalties.
Robbery is defined as the intentional and unlawful taking of another person's property, by the use of force, violence, assault, or putting the victim in fear. In other words, robbery is a theft that involves the use of force or the threat of force. The force or threat of force is used to overcome the victim's resistance and/or to take the victim's property.
Armed robbery is a specific type of robbery that involves the use of a weapon. The weapon can be any object that is used or threatened to be used to cause harm to the victim. This includes firearms, knives, clubs, and other dangerous weapons. The weapon does not have to be a real weapon; it can be a fake weapon or an object that is made to look like a weapon.
What Are the Penalties for Armed Robbery in Florida?
In Florida, armed robbery is a first-degree felony. If convicted, you will face a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 10 years. The maximum sentence is life in prison. The specific penalties you face will depend on the circumstances of the case, including whether anyone was injured or killed.
Penalties for armed robbery in Florida include:
- Minimum mandatory prison sentence of 10 years
- Maximum sentence of life in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Up to 30 years of probation
- Restitution to the victim
If you are convicted of armed robbery, you will also be labeled a violent offender. This means that you will be required to serve at least 85% of your sentence before you are eligible for parole or early release. You will also be subject to additional penalties and restrictions, even after you have served your sentence.
What Are the Defenses to Armed Robbery Charges?
Being charged with armed robbery does not mean that you will be convicted. Several defenses can be used to fight the charges against you. The best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Some common defenses to armed robbery charges include:
- Mistaken identity: If the victim or a witness mistakenly identified you as the perpetrator, we can present evidence to prove that you are not the person who committed the crime.
- False accusations: In some cases, the victim or a witness may falsely accuse someone of armed robbery. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a personal vendetta or to cover up their own involvement in the crime. We can investigate the circumstances of the case to uncover any evidence that the accusations are false.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution has the burden of proving that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence to meet this burden, we can argue that the charges should be dropped or that you should be acquitted.
- Violation of your rights: The police must follow certain procedures when making an arrest or collecting evidence. If your rights were violated at any point during the investigation, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence. If the motion is granted, the evidence will be thrown out and the charges against you may be dropped.
How We Can Help
Being charged with armed robbery is a serious matter that requires the attention of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and other severe penalties. It can also have a lasting impact on your personal and professional life.
At First Coast Criminal Defense, our Jacksonville armed robbery lawyers are committed to providing the aggressive, effective legal representation you need and deserve. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future. Our team will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you, gather all available evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf.
Our armed robbery attorneys in St. Johns County can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the charges against you
- Gathering all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage
- Building a strong defense on your behalf
- Identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution's case
- Filing any necessary motions, such as a motion to suppress evidence
- Negotiating with the prosecution to get the charges against you reduced or dropped
- Representing you at all court hearings and proceedings
- Providing you with the compassionate, personalized legal guidance you need and deserve
Our team will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns every step of the way. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.
Contact us at (904) 474-3115 today to speak with our legal team.
