Is Robbery a Felony? The Harsh Reality and How We Can Help Congratulations! You've stumbled upon this article, which likely means you or someone close to you is in a tough situation involving robbery charges. While getting charged with a crime is never a good thing, we want you to know that you're not alone. Our team at Spodek Law Group has been through this rodeo more times than we can count.We understand the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty you must be feeling right now. Robbery charges are no joke - they carry severe penalties that can impact nearly every aspect of your life going forward. But take a deep breath...you've come to the right place.With the help of our skilled attorneys, we can guide you through this difficult process and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and freedoms. So keep reading to learn the harsh realities of robbery charges and how we can make a world of difference in your case.

The Sobering Truth About Robbery Charges

Let's start by addressing the elephant in the room - is robbery considered a felony? The short answer is yes, robbery is always classified as a felony-level crime. It doesn't matter if it was your first offense or a seemingly "minor" incident. Robbery charges are about as serious as it gets in the criminal justice system.But what exactly constitutes robbery? In essence, robbery is the unlawful taking of someone else's property through the use of force, violence, or intimidation. It's more severe than basic theft or larceny because it involves a confrontation and potential for physical harm.Under state and federal laws, there are different "degrees" or levels of robbery charges, each carrying its own set of penalties. The specific charge and sentencing typically depend on factors like:

• Whether a weapon was involved (e.g. armed robbery)
• If any victims suffered injuries
• The total value of items/money stolen
• Your criminal history and prior convictions

For example, in New York, robbery in the third degree (the lowest level) is a Class D felony punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Meanwhile, first-degree robbery involving serious physical injury can land you in prison for up to 25 years! And that's not even considering potential fines, probation, and other consequences.The bottom line? Robbery is no joke - it's a big freaking deal. Even if you think the circumstances were relatively minor or you have a solid defense, you can't afford to take these charges lightly. Trying to navigate the legal system alone is like walking through a minefield blindfolded.That's where our elite team of robbery defense lawyers at Spodek Law Group comes in. With decades of combined experience, we know all the ins and outs of robbery cases and exactly what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.So if you or a loved one is up against robbery charges, don't go it alone. Call us at 212-300-5196 for a free, confidential consultation on your case. The sooner we get involved, the stronger your defense will be.

Understanding the Different Types of Robbery

As we mentioned, not all robbery charges are created equal. The specific "degree" or level of the charge can greatly impact everything from bail amounts to potential sentencing. It's crucial to understand the distinctions so you know what you're up against.In general, most states and the federal government recognize three primary degrees of robbery:Robbery in the Third Degree This is typically the lowest level of robbery charge, often involving situations where:

• The theft was committed through force or intimidation, but no weapon was used
• The total value of items/money stolen was relatively low (e.g. under $1000)
• No victims suffered injuries beyond minor harm

While still a felony, third-degree robbery charges tend to carry lighter penalties in the realm of 2-5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.Robbery in the Second Degree Second-degree robbery is a step up, commonly charged in cases where:

• A deadly weapon was used or present during the robbery
• Victims suffered injuries like broken bones, lacerations, etc.
• The robbery was committed as an accomplice or with other perpetrators

Penalties get more severe at this level, generally ranging from 5-15 years in prison along with higher fines up to $25,000 or more.Robbery in the First Degree This is the most serious form of robbery, often called "aggravated robbery." It typically involves one or more of the following aggravating circumstances:

• Victims suffered extreme bodily harm or disfigurement
• The robbery resulted in the death of a victim
• A pregnant woman or child was among the victims
• The robbery targeted a member of law enforcement or certain protected professions

First-degree robbery is punished harshly, with potential sentences of 10-25 years to life in prison depending on the specific details of the crime.Of course, these are just general guidelines. The actual degrees and definitions can vary from state to state and at the federal level. That's why it's absolutely critical to have an experienced robbery defense lawyer evaluate your unique situation.Our attorneys will analyze every facet of your case to determine the most strategic defenses and arguments for reducing the charges or penalties you face. Don't try to figure it out alone - having the right legal representation can make all the difference.If you're unsure about the specific robbery charges against you or a loved one, contact Spodek Law Group at 212-300-5196 today. We'll break it all down in easy-to-understand terms during a free consultation.

Factors That Can Escalate Robbery Charges

While robbery is inherently a felony-level offense, there are certain factors and circumstances that can significantly increase the severity of the charges and potential penalties. Prosecutors are always looking for any possible angle to "throw the book" at defendants.Some of the most common aggravating factors that can lead to elevated robbery charges include:Use of a Deadly Weapon If any kind of firearm, knife, or other potentially deadly weapon was used, brandished, or present during the alleged robbery, you can expect much harsher charges right off the bat. Armed robbery involving a gun can quickly turn into federal charges with mandatory minimum sentences.Degree of Violence/Victim Injuries The more violence and harm inflicted upon victims, the worse the charges will be. Robberies resulting in serious bodily injury, sexual assault, or death can bring charges like aggravated robbery, assault, or even attempted murder into play.Targeting Certain Victims Robberies targeting certain professionals like law enforcement officers, emergency responders, teachers, or public transportation employees often carry enhanced penalties. The same goes for crimes committed against children, the elderly, or disabled individuals.Your Criminal Record If you have prior convictions for robbery, violent crimes, or felony offenses in general, you can expect prosecutors to use those against you. A lengthy rap sheet almost guarantees more aggressive charges and sentencing recommendations.Gang Affiliation or Organized Crime Any indication that the alleged robbery was committed as part of a larger criminal organization or gang activity will be viewed much more seriously by authorities. Federal RICO charges could even potentially come into play.Drug or Alcohol Involvement While drugs and alcohol don't necessarily relate directly to robbery charges, their presence can still complicate matters. Prosecutors may tack on additional charges like DUI, drug possession, or allege that intoxication was an aggravating factor in the crime itself.The key takeaway? What may seem like a "simple" robbery case on the surface often has many layers and nuances that require the skilled eye of an experienced defense attorney. We've seen it all at Spodek Law Group, from cut-and-dry robberies to the most complex cases involving all of the above factors and more.Our attorneys know exactly what to look for and how to counter any aggravating circumstances that could unnecessarily increase the charges and penalties against you. Don't take that risk on your own - having the strongest possible legal representation is paramount when so much is on the line.If you're facing robbery charges of any kind, call 212-300-5196 right away to schedule a free consultation with our legal team. We'll pour through every detail to identify the best defense strategy for your unique situation.

Common Defenses Against Robbery Charges

Despite what you may have seen on TV crime dramas, the reality is that the majority of robbery cases aren't open-and-shut. There are numerous potential defenses that an experienced attorney can use to poke holes in the prosecution's case and work towards getting charges reduced or dismissed entirely.Some of the most common defense strategies we employ for clients charged with robbery include:Mistaken Identity It's not uncommon for robbery victims to incorrectly identify a perpetrator, especially in high-stress situations. If the evidence connecting you to the crime is shaky or based solely on a witness ID, we can attack its credibility.Lack of Evidence For a conviction, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the alleged robbery. If their evidence is circumstantial or filled with reasonable doubts, we can capitalize on that.Claim of Right In certain cases, we may be able to argue that you had a legitimate "claim of right" or belief that you were taking property that belonged to you. This could potentially negate the intent element required for robbery charges.Duress or Coercion If you only participated in a robbery because you were under unlawful force or threat of harm by another party, you may be able to assert a duress defense and have charges reduced or dismissed.Entrapment Entrapment refers to situations where law enforcement induced or persuaded someone to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn't have. It's an extremely valid defense if it can be proven.Mental Incapacity For some clients, we may be able to argue that you were mentally incapable of forming the required criminal intent at the time due to conditions like insanity, diminished capacity, or involuntary intoxication.Self-Defense While rare in robbery cases, self-defense arguments can apply if you legitimately feared for your safety and only used force to protect yourself from harm.The list goes on, but you get the idea - there are many potential avenues to challenge robbery charges depending on the specific facts of your case. As former prosecutors ourselves, our attorneys at Spodek Law Group know all the tricks of the trade when it comes to poking holes in the government's evidence.We leave no stones unturned, exploring every possible defense strategy to maximize your chances of beating the charges or at least minimizing the consequences as much as possible. Simply pleading guilty or taking a harsh plea deal is often NOT your best option.If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery, call 212-300-5196 now to discuss your case with one of our skilled defense lawyers. The initial consultation is free and 100% confidential.

Potential Penalties for Robbery Convictions

We've danced around it enough - let's get to the harsh realities of what you could be facing if convicted on robbery charges. As you'll see, the potential penalties are no joke, which is why mounting an aggressive legal defense is absolutely crucial.At the low end, convictions for third-degree "petit" robbery could potentially result in:

• 2-5 years in state prison
• Fines up to $10,000
• Probation for 3-5 years
• Restitution payments to victims

For more serious robbery charges in the second degree, you could be looking at:

• 5-15 years in state prison
• Fines from $10,000 - $25,000+
• Lengthy probation terms (e.g. 5+ years)
• Restitution payments
• Potential strike on record per "three strikes" laws

And if convicted of aggravated first-degree robbery, prepare for the worst:

• 10 years to life in state prison
• $50,000+ in fines
• Restitution and fees
• Strikes on record
• Probation for 10+ years

Those are just the standard guidelines too. Depending on the circumstances, certain aggravating factors can allow judges to tack on even MORE severe penalties like:

• Enhanced/consecutive sentences for weapon usage
• Additional time for victim injuries
• Federal charges with mandatory minimums
• Charges for other crimes like assault, kidnapping, etc.

The bottom line? Robbery is considered an extremely serious violent felony that can derail your life in an instant if convicted. Lengthy prison sentences, crippling fines, and a permanent criminal record can destroy careers, separate families, and make it nearly impossible to get back on your feet.That's exactly why you need to take these charges seriously from the get-go. Hiring a public defender or trying to defend yourself is simply not going to cut it when there's this much at stake. You need a team of heavy-hitting attorneys who live and breathe robbery defense cases.At Spodek Law Group, that's precisely what you'll get - a full-force legal team that will leave no stones unturned in fighting for your rights and freedoms. We've helped countless clients avoid the most serious penalties and get their lives back on track.Don't gamble with your future and freedom. Call 212-300-5196 right now to speak with one of our skilled robbery defense attorneys and get the legal representation you deserve.

Why Hire Spodek Law Group for Robbery Charges?

By now, we hope it's crystal clear how devastating a robbery conviction can be and why having the right legal team in your corner is absolutely paramount. So why choose Spodek Law Group to defend you or your loved one?For starters, our firm was literally founded by a former public defender who witnessed firsthand how overworked and under-resourced court-appointed attorneys truly are. We made it our mission to provide a higher caliber of legal representation for those facing the most serious criminal charges like robbery.More importantly, our team has over 50 years of combined experience handling some of the most complex and high-stakes robbery cases imaginable. We've defended everyone from first-time offenders to high-profile individuals against charges ranging from petit larceny all the way up to federal Hobbs Act robbery and RICO violations.Simply put, we've seen and done it all when it comes to robbery defense - there's no scenario or curveball that can catch us off guard. Prosecutors know that when we get involved, they're in for a lengthy battle every step of the way.Our unique backgrounds as both prosecutors and defense attorneys also give us a distinct advantage. We know all the tactics, strategies, and "dirty tricks" that both sides are likely to employ because we've been on both sides of the courtroom.More importantly, we understand how to dismantle and counter those tactics to shift the balance of leverage in our clients' favor. It's like having an inside man on the other team revealing their entire playbook to us.When you hire Spodek Law Group, you get a full-force legal team attacking your case from every possible angle:

• Seasoned defense attorneys
• Former prosecutors and law enforcement officers
• Licensed private investigators
• Cutting-edge forensics and technology experts
• And any other specialists required for your specific case

We leave no stones unturned in building the strongest possible defense strategy aimed at getting charges reduced or dismissed entirely. From scrutinizing evidence to identifying new witnesses, no effort is spared in pursuit of justice for our clients.But what really sets us apart is our genuine passion for helping good people who made mistakes or found themselves in the wrong circumstances. We treat every client like family, taking the time to truly understand their situation so we can be more than just legal advocates - we're life advisors helping them get back on track.So if you or someone you care about is facing robbery charges of any kind, don't roll the dice with inexperienced or overworked attorneys. Your future freedom and quality of life is simply too important.