Get a Fair Result with a Marin County Robbery Lawyer 

Robbery is a serious charge that can have severe consequences if convicted. If you have been charged with robbery, it is important that you do not lose hope—the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and you may have legal defenses available to you. Do not face your robbery charge alone—contact a Marin County robbery lawyer for help. 

What Is Robbery? 

Robbery is a type of theft that involves taking the property of another person without their consent and with the intent of permanently depriving them of ownership. What sets robbery apart from other types of theft, however, is that it involves the use of “force or fear.” In other words, you used physical force or the threat of force to take another person’s property.

In order to be charged with robbery, note that the threat of force must involve the threat of physical injury. This threat could have been directed toward the victim themselves or: 

• A family member of the victim
• The victim’s property
• Someone else present during the incident

Robbery Is a Felony Offense

Unlike other theft crimes, robbery is strictly a felony offense. The value of the property stolen generally does not determine the seriousness of the charge you are facing. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be charged with either first-degree or second-degree robbery. 

First Degree Robbery

First-degree robbery is charged in the following situations: 

• The victim was a transportation for hire driver such as a bus driver or taxi driver; 
• The robbery took place in an inhabited house, boat, trailer; or
• The robbery took place while the victim was using an ATM or immediately after. 

If convicted of first-degree robbery, you could face the following penalties: 

• 3, 4, or 6 years in prison
• Felony probation
• Fines of up to $10,000

Second Degree Robbery

Any robbery that doesn’t qualify to be charged as first-degree robbery is charged as second-degree robbery. If you have been charged with second-degree robbery, you face the following punishments if you are convicted: 

• 2, 3, or 5 years in state prison
• Felony probation
• Up to $10,000 in fines

While it is a less serious offense than first-degree robbery, the consequences are still severe. Whatever robbery charges you are facing, the first thing you should do is contact a Marin County robbery lawyer. 

Enhanced Sentencing Factors

You may be facing harsher consequences if your case involves certain factors. For example: 

• You could face an additional three to six years in prison if you caused substantial bodily injury during the robbery
• You could face anywhere from 10 to 25 additional years in prison if you used a firearm

It is also important to remember that robbery is considered a violent felony and is, therefore, subject to California’s “three strikes” law. 

Contact Marin County Robbery Lawyer Josh Brownstein Today

If you have been charged with robbery, Brownstein Law Group can help. Contact us by phone or email to schedule a consultation.