As a trusted criminal defense law firm in Orlando, Florida, we have helped countless clients avoid conviction by providing robust, aggressive defense strategies. Contact our law office to speak with an experienced Orlando robbery lawyer about your legal options.
Criminal charges — including accusations of robbery — are rarely as straightforward as they seem. In our experience, these cases almost involve a critical consideration, misunderstanding, or meaningful context. However, that does not mean they are prosecuted any less harshly under Florida law.
The State of Florida takes robbery charges seriously. If convicted, a defendant could face a range of life-altering legal penalties and additional consequences, including imprisonment, substantial fines, other court-mandated requirements, and the stigmas surrounding a permanent criminal record. However, that doesn’t have to be your future.
With top-tier legal advocacy, you can avoid conviction and the negative consequences that come with it. The criminal defense lawyers at Sergio Cruz Criminal Defense are here to help. This article will explain everything you need to know about robbery in Orlando, including legal definitions, types of robbery, possible penalties, legal defenses, and more.
What to Do When Facing Robbery Charges in Orlando
If you are facing robbery charges in Orlando, don’t panic. With assistance from a qualified robbery defense attorney, you can build a legal defense to combat your charges, get them reduced, or have them dismissed altogether. Time is of the essence, though, so it’s important to reach out now.
After a thorough review of your case, our criminal defense lawyers can gather critical evidence pertaining to the alleged incident and start constructing a legal defense that challenges the prosecution’s case and clears your name. We will apply our years of experience, resources, and expertise to ensure the most favorable outcome possible for you.
How Does Florida Law Define Robbery?
In the State of Florida, robbery is governed and defined by Florida Statutes, Section 812.13. It refers to the unlawful taking of money or other property from another person with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive them of it through the use of force, violence, assault, or fear.
Degrees of Robbery
Florida law classifies robbery into different degrees based on the circumstances of the crime, particularly the presence and use of weapons. Here’s a breakdown of first-degree and second-degree robbery:
- First-degree robbery (armed robbery). First-degree robbery involves carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon during the commission of the robbery and is classified as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison.
- Second-degree robbery. Second-degree robbery is committed without carrying a firearm, deadly weapon, or other weapon. It is a second-degree felony.
The presence of certain aggravating factors can enhance a robbery charge and its penalties. These include the use of a firearm, causing bodily injury to the victim, and multiple offenders involved in the same incident.
What Are the Different Types of Robbery?
Florida law categorizes robbery into several different key types, each with its own legal definition and associated penalties. Here are some of the most common types of robbery in Florida:
- Street robbery. Street robbery, which is also called mugging, involves the forceful taking of property from an individual in a public place, such as on a street or in the park. It is typically classified as a second-degree felony but may be elevated to a first-degree felony if a weapon is used.
- Bank robbery. Bank robbery refers to taking money or property from a bank, credit union, or other financial institution by force, violence, or intimidation. It is a first-degree felony.
- Home invasion. Home invasion robbery involves entering a dwelling with the intent to commit robbery by using force, violence, or intimidation against the occupants. It is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison.
- Carjacking. Carjacking refers to forcefully taking a motor vehicle from another person by using violence, force, or intimidation. It is also a first-degree felony, punishable by up to life in prison.
- Purse snatching. Purse snatching involves the sudden and forceful taking of a purse or handbag from another person, typically in a public place, and is a third-degree felony if no weapon is used.
Understanding the type of robbery you’ve been charged with and its implications is a crucial component of building a strong case. An experienced robbery defense lawyer in Orlando can help elucidate the exact nature of your charges.
What Are the Penalties?
Regardless of which type of robbery you’ve been charged with committing, the potential penalties are severe — especially if there was a weapon involved. Here’s a breakdown of the penalties for first, second, and third offense for each main type of robbery:
- Street robbery penalties. The first, second, and third offense incur the same punishments: up to 15 years in prison, up to 15 years on probation, and fines up to $10,000. However, the use of a weapon can enhance these penalties.
- Bank robbery. The first, second, and third offenses are all first-degree felonies, punishable by up to life in prison and substantial fines that increase with each subsequent offense. It may also be charged as a federal crime.
- Home invasion. Similarly, first, second, and third offenses are all first-degree felonies, punishable by up to life imprisonment, substantial fines, and mandatory minimum sentences under Florida’s 10-20-Life law.
- Carjacking. The first, second, and third offenses are all first-degree felonies, punishable by up to life in prison, as well as enhanced penalties and mandatory minimum sentences if a firearm or deadly weapon is used.
- Purse snatching. The first offense of purse snatching is a third-degree felony (if no weapon is used), punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and fines up to $5,000. The second and third offenses carry the same punishments, with an increased likelihood of incurring maximum sentencing.
Regardless of type or number of offenses, a robbery conviction comes with severe legal penalties and additional consequences that are easily enhanced by the presence of aggravating factors. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies for fighting these charges and mitigating their negative effects.
How Can I Fight a Robbery Charge?
To successfully fight a robbery charge in Florida, you need a highly strategic approach that challenges the prosecution’s evidence. The best defense strategy for your case will address the specific circumstances and details of the incident. Here are some of the arguments we might be able to use on your behalf:
- Lack of intent. You did not have the specific intent to commit robbery (a necessary element of the crime) and had no intent to deprive the victim of their property. Perhaps it was an accidental taking or a misunderstanding.
- Mistake of fact / claim of right. You believed you had a legal right to take the property and had no criminal intent, or you have evidence of ownership or shared ownership.
- Factual innocence. You did not commit the robbery and provide key evidence that you were not involved in the crime, including an alibi or evidence of misidentification.
- Police misconduct. Law enforcement officers engaged in misconduct during or after your arrest, through illegal search and seizure, coercion, fabrication of evidence, or another violation of your rights.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible defense strategies, but just a few examples of arguments we can make to challenge the prosecution’s case and defend your rights.
Sergio Cruz Criminal Defense: Trusted Robbery Defense Lawyers in Central Florida
Robbery charges in Florida are no joke. If you fail to mount an adequately aggressive defense, you will suffer a range of consequences — regardless of your innocence. The best thing you can do to protect your future is contact an Orlando criminal defense attorney to explore your legal options. Our law firm can provide the insights and guidance you need to come out the other side and move on with your life, so don’t wait: Contact Sergio Cruz Criminal Defense to speak with a knowledgeable robbery defense lawyer today.
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