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Robbery is one of the most severe forms of theft and property crimes, although a defendant often faces severe penalty ranges based on the facts of the case. If a deadly weapon was used during the commission of the crime, you may face first degree felony penalty ranges. If you have been charged with the crime of robbery, do not wait to contact an experienced Houston robbery defense attorney from Freedom Law Group as soon as possible following your arrest.
Each state offers a slightly different definition of the term “robbery” which a defendant must meet in order to be arrested for this criminal action. In Houston Texas, robbery occurs when a person “in the process of committing theft….and with the intent to obtain or maintain control of the property, he (1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.”
This language covers criminal actions that occur during the attempt to commit theft as well as “in flight” after the attempt or commission of theft. Therefore, a person may be charged with robbery even if the actual criminal action did not take place, as long as an “attempt” occurred. For purposes of robbery actions, property includes both tangible and intangible personal property, as well as documents (including money) which represent anything of value. This broad definition will cover many theft offenses, and it is therefore easy for smaller offenses to become bumped up to the range of felony robbery. An experienced Houston robbery defense attorney will help you better determine the range of your offense.
Robbery charges may additionally be increased to the level of aggravated robbery in the following situations:
Robbery is a second degree felony in Texas and is therefore punishable by up to twenty years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000. However, aggravated robbery is a first degree felony and a defendant arrested on aggravated robbery charges will therefore face heightened punishment ranges. A first degree felony is punishable by up to life in prison, in addition to a potential fine up to $10,000. The difference between the two crimes hinges largely on the age of the victim, the extent of bodily injury which occurred during the robbery, and the existence of a deadly weapon during the robbery. A defendant who furnishes a pellet gun during a robbery (rather than an actual gun) may still face aggravated charges if the victim believe the gun was real during the commission of the offense. An experienced Houston robbery defense lawyer from accomplished criminal defense law firm Freedom Law Group will be able to assist you in formulating your defense and walking you through the pretrial and trial proceedings.
If you have been arrested on robbery charges, do not hesitate to contact Freedom Law Group. Mary E. Conn and her team experienced Houston robbery defense attorneys with years of experience representing and defending clients who have been charged with robbery. Mary E. Conn will ensure that you are well-informed each step of the way, including all information relating to a potential plea bargain. Contact us today at the Houston office on (713) 357-4190 for your initial free consultation.