Building a Colonial Heights Armed Robbery Defense
If you were charged with robbery or armed robbery, you should seek the services of a criminal defense attorney to represent you. Robbery carries a penalty of up to life in prison, so you should not risk going to court alone. You could benefit from being represented by an attorney who has defended robbery charges before, knows how to maneuver in your jurisdiction, and is willing to fight for you.
Building a Colonial Heights armed robbery defense is a difficult task, but a seasoned criminal defense attorney understands how the system works. They understand the prosecution’s tactics, and they could craft a defense strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case. Call today to schedule a case review.
Use of a Firearm as an Element of Armed Robbery Charges
The element of the “firearm” in order to charge the “use of a firearm” does not have to be significant. Use of a firearm can apply in situations where a reasonable person would believe that they were going to be shot. For example, if the defendant threatened to shoot someone with a gun in their pocket, the firearm threat introduced and solidified the use of a firearm charge. This applies even if there was no gun or the alleged victim could not see a gun. That small but significant fact can lead to mandatory three to five years in jail.
A defense attorney might be able to negotiate an armed robbery charge down to a robbery charge if the alleged victim was unsure whether or not there was a firearm. If the witness’ belief that there was a firearm is unreasonable, or if the charged person can garner some sympathy from the prosecutor, the Commonwealth may be willing to reduce or lessen the charges.
Plea Deals
Someone accused of a crime should only take a plea deal if they are comfortable with it. A plea deal could be a good idea if someone has seen the evidence and decided that it would be in their best interest. However, an individual should never take a plea deal if they feel pressured into it.
Information to Provide a Defense Lawyer
The moment that a person believes they are under investigation by the police or the moment the police contact them, they should contact a lawyer. A person should never talk to the police alone. When first contacted, a defense lawyer may demand to see:
- A copy of the basic offense the person was charged with
- The person’s full name
- The jurisdiction in which the charge was filed
- The details of the alleged incident
An attorney may begin building a Colonial Heights armed robbery defense based on the information available. The person charged with a crime should be as honest and forthright as they can be with the lawyer because if they mislead their lawyer, it could hurt their case.
How a Colonial Heights Armed Robbery Attorney Could Help
If you were charged with armed robbery, you should retain a local defense lawyer who understands the system, has worked with the prosecutors and judges before and could give you a realistic estimation as to what might happen when you go in front of the judge or jury. A local attorney could give you the best information regarding your case so you can make an educated decision about what to do going forward. Get in touch with an experienced attorney today to begin building a Colonial Heights armed robbery defense.
