Edina Robbery Lawyer

A robbery charge is a serious matter. Because robbery is a crime of violence under state law, any conviction carries a prison term. Even after completing their sentence, an offender must bear the long-term effects of a violent felony conviction, including difficulties with obtaining employment and housing.

If you are facing robbery charges, do not hesitate to reach out to an attorney. An Edina robbery lawyer could help someone accused of robbery fight for justice. There are several ways to fight a robbery charge. Seek out a seasoned theft attorney who can explore all of them to provide you with an aggressive defense.

Degrees of Robbery

Robbery is a type of theft. The crime of robbery requires a direct interaction between at least two people. One individual must take something of value from another person by force, intimidation, threat, or coercion. Robbery charges can be simple or aggravated, and a knowledgeable attorney in Edina could further explain the difference between the two and help a defendant understand the charges they are facing.

Simple Robbery

When an individual takes something by using or threatening force, they could face a simple robbery charge. The penalty upon conviction is a maximum of 10 years imprisonment and a fine that cannot exceed $20,000.

Second-Degree Aggravated

When a person threatens to use a deadly weapon to intimidate or coerce someone to give up property, they could be charged with aggravated robbery in the second degree. Under Minnesota Statute §609.245, second-degree aggravated robbery is still charged even if the accused did not have a weapon—threatening to use a weapon is enough. A second-degree aggravated robbery conviction could lead to up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $30,000.

First-Degree Aggravated

First-degree aggravated robbery is the charge an individual faces if they allegedly something from someone else while armed. Inflicting bodily harm on someone during theft could also result in a first-degree aggravated robbery charge. A conviction could lead to a 20-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $35,000.

Defending Robbery Charges in Edina

Fighting a robbery charge requires legal knowledge and tenacity. A capable local attorney could investigate the circumstances of an arrest and the quality of the evidence to assert the most robust defense possible to the robbery charge.

Unreasonable Search and Seizure

The United States Constitution protects suspects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police did not follow proper procedures during the investigation of the crime or during the suspect’s arrest or interrogation, it could be possible to suppress the illegally obtained evidence.

Mistaken Identify

In some cases, the identity of a suspect could be mistaken. In that case, the defense could present alibi evidence that might persuade a prosecutor to drop charges. Similarly, the defense could argue that the defendant did not have the intent to take property or to threaten or coerce anyone.

The best defense depends on the unique circumstances of the particular case. Even when the evidence seems convincing, there are usually opportunities to negotiate a resolution that allows a suspect to avoid the most severe penalties associated with a robbery conviction.

Lingering Consequences of a Conviction

When someone has a robbery conviction on their record, they could feel the impact for the rest of their lives. Because robbery requires a personal interaction between the alleged offender and complainant, it is considered a violent crime even if there was no weapon on the scene and no violence occurred. A person with a conviction for a violent felony on their record might be ineligible for certain jobs, excluded from some housing, and have trouble getting credit.

If there is significant evidence against a defendant, an experienced robbery attorney in the area could work to negotiate a plea to a lesser offense. Doing so might afford the client better opportunities to move forward with their life after they have completed their sentence.

Consult with a Dedicated Edina Robbery Attorney

Robbery is a serious crime with significant penalties. You could be facing years in prison and significant fines, not to mention long-term effects on your personal and professional life.

You deserve the opportunity to present every possible defense to the charges against you. Working with an Edina robbery lawyer could ensure that you have a fair shot to defeat the charges. Call today to set up a free consultation.