Taking property off of a person through the use of force is known under the law as robbery. Robbery is a felony offense, and conviction can result in significant prison time and long-term impacts on one’s life.
It is vital that people facing these allegations take aggressive steps to protect their futures. If you are facing robbery charges, reach out to a knowledgeable theft attorney right away. A Manhattan robbery lawyer could work to investigate the facts of the case, determine the strength of the prosecutor’s evidence, and formulate strategies that could help you to avoid severe punishments.
Robbery describes a theft that involves the use or threat of force. Kansas Statute § 21-5420 defines a robbery as taking property from off a person or in the presence of a person through the use of force or the threat of harm to another.
Under this statute, a robbery can take the form of a classic mugging where a person uses a threat of violence to obtain money or other property. This threat of violence still classifies the offense as robbery, even if no physical force is actually used in taking the property.
Two factors could lead to a prosecutor charging a person with aggravated robbery. The first is the use of a dangerous weapon to further the attempted theft. These items may include firearms, knives, baseball bats, or anything else that could inspire fear in another. The second is the infliction of bodily harm on another during the robbery. A skilled Manhattan attorney could explain the types of robbery offenses in more detail and help someone better understand the nature of the charges they are facing.
Robberies are always serious offenses. Under state law, a common robbery is a level 5, person felony. This means that a court may impose a maximum prison sentence of 34 months after a conviction. Aggravated charges of robbery carry enhanced sentences. These are level 3, person felonies under state law. A conviction for aggravated robbery can result in a possible 61-month prison term.
A knowledgeable Manhattan lawyer could work to help an individual avoid the harshest outcomes for robbery charges. An attorney could work to investigate the incident, identify areas where a prosecutor’s case may be weak, and make arguments in court that help to raise reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
Allegations of robbery are serious matters. The supposed forceful taking of another’s property is a felony where courts have broad discretions to impose multiple-year prison sentences. In situations where the police allege bodily harm or the use of a deadly weapon, a conviction can be life-altering.
A Manhattan robbery could fight for your rights and freedoms under the law. This includes listening to your side of the story, evaluating witness statements, questioning the police methods used to gather evidence, and building a strong defense on your behalf. Call today to schedule a consultation with a skilled member of our legal team.
