ROBBERY IN TEXAS
Under Texas Penal Code Sec. 29.02 a robbery occurs when an individual intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another person when committing or attempting to commit theft. If you push someone down and steal their wallet, you could get filed on for robbery regardless of the amount of money in the wallet. Unlike theft offenses that are based on the value of property stolen, robbery is based on the force used to accomplish the theft. Robbery is a second degree felony and carries a punishment of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
Under Texas Penal Code Sec. 29.03, aggravated robbery occurs when a person commits robbery and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, causes serious bodily injury, or causes bodily injury to an elderly or disabled individual during the course of the crime.
Examples of Aggravated Robbery:
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Going into a convenience store, pointing a firearm at the clerk and stealing the money out of the cash register
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Beating someone severely and stealing property belonging to them
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Hitting an elderly or disabled person with your fist and taking their property
Aggravated robbery and armed robbery face more serious consequences than a common robbery. Aggravated robberies are considered a first degree felony and the punishment range is 5 to 99 years in prison (or life sentence) and a fine up to $10,000.
ROBBERY CHARGE DEFENSE
When working with the Sparks Law team, your case will be thoroughly investigated to ensure no details that could help prove your innocence are overlooked. Key defenses in robbery and aggravated robbery cases include:
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Mistaken identity
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Alibi (you can prove that you were elsewhere at the time of the crime)
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There was no bodily injury
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The weapon exhibited was not a deadly weapon
Justin was my lawyer for a case I had with Tarrant County. He was very responsive, professional, and helped us sooo much! I ended up having everything dismissed. Definitely highly recommend!
- Payton R.
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm! They took care of me and immediately started working my case. They knew exactly what to do as soon as I told them my story.
- Alana B.
CONSEQUENCES OF A ROBBERY CONVICTION
Individuals convicted of robbery and aggravated robbery sometimes face a prison sentence or a lengthy period of supervised probation, after which, they will have very limited employment prospects.
If you are in a licensed profession, your license could be suspended or revoked depending on the outcome of your felony case. All felony convictions are reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety and become a public record viewable by employers and others.
With a qualified criminal defense attorney, you could achieve a more desired outcome such as reduction of a felony to a misdemeanor offense or lower felony, placement on deferred adjunction probation, or dismissal. The facts of your specific case, testimony of witnesses, pre-trial investigation, and hiring a qualified criminal defense attorney will ultimately dictate the outcome of your case. You can’t afford NOT to hire a quality robbery attorney.
ROBBERY CHARGE? CALL JUSTIN!
A robbery offense is a serious type of theft offense. A robbery charge, whether aggravated or not, can lead to a serious felony conviction. If you have been charged with robbery, call Fort Worth lawyer Justin Sparks. Justin has served the citizens of Dallas/Fort Worth for over nine years, and has advised numerous robbery defendants.