Bloomington Robbery Lawyer

Robbery charges could land you in prison for many years and result in hefty criminal fines. This felony-level offense is considered a violent crime, and the consequences of a robbery conviction can follow you forever and take away certain constitutional rights. These cases can be difficult, but with experienced defense counsel, it is possible to fight back.

If you have been charged with this crime, a Bloomington robbery lawyer could defend your constitutional rights.

Simple Robbery

Simple robbery is the first of three different kinds of robbery offenses under Minnesota law. It occurs when someone takes personal property from another person or in their presence, and also uses or threatens force against that person.

The defendant never has to touch the other person to be charged with this offense. The threat of force is sufficient for a charge of simple robbery.

Penalties for Simple Robbery

Simple robbery is punishable by a prison term of up to ten years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. As a felony, it can also result in the loss of constitutional rights and difficulty finding employment due to the stigma of this offense.

Second-Degree Aggravated Robbery

Second-degree robbery occurs when a person implies by word or act that they are in possession of a dangerous weapon while committing the offense. The threat of a weapon, even if the person does not actually possess one, is sufficient to raise the offense to an aggravated robbery charge.

Penalties for Second-Degree Aggravated Robbery

If convicted of this heightened charge, a defendant faces the possibility of up to fifteen years in prison, up to $30,000 in fines, or possibly both. Like simple assault, this felony offense may lead to the loss of a person’s constitutional rights.

First-Degree Aggravated Robbery

A defendant commits first-degree aggravated robbery if, during the commission of a robbery, they:

• Are armed with a dangerous weapon
• Use or fashion any item in a way that would lead a person to reasonably believe the object was a dangerous weapon (even if it was not)
• Inflicts bodily harm on the other person

A dangerous weapon may include a knife, gun, explosive, or any other object that could cause bodily harm. If a defendant makes an item appear to be a dangerous weapon, it will still be considered dangerous. This could include using a toy gun to trick others into believing the defendant has a real firearm.

Additionally, if a person inflicts harm on another during the commission of the robbery, it is raised to a first-degree aggravated offense. The bodily harm does not need to be serious. A skilled attorney in the Bloomington area could mount a defense against any of these charges regardless of the severity.

Penalties for First-Degree Aggravated Robbery

If convicted of first-degree aggravated robbery, a person may face up to twenty years in prison, a $35,000 fine, or both.

Let a Robbery Attorney in Bloomington Take on Your Case

Defending your case is crucial if you hope to avoid decades in prison and incredibly high fines. A strong defense by a Bloomington robbery lawyer may protect you from the potential consequences and allow you to get your life back on track. Call today to start planning your defense.