New York Robbery in the First Degree Lawyer

Hey friend! If you're reading this, you or someone you care about was probably charged with robbery in the first degree in New York. That's a super serious felony offense that can change your life forever. I know you're scared and overwhelmed right now. But don't lose hope! This article will explain what first degree robbery means in NY, possible defenses, and how an experienced criminal lawyer can help fight the charges against you.

What is Robbery in the First Degree in New York?

Robbery means taking or trying to take something of value by force. It's basically a theft or burglary involving violence or threats. Under NY law, robbery becomes first degree when:

• You or another participant causes physical injury, and
• You or another participant is armed with a deadly weapon

So first degree robbery in New York involves both injury and a dangerous weapon. It's an extremely serious Class B violent felony.

What Kind of Charges and Penalties Does First Degree Robbery Carry in NY?

Like I said, we're talking hardcore felony territory with first degree robbery in New York. The specific charges and penalties include:

• Robbery in the first degree - Class B felony
• Up to 25 years in prison
• Fines up to $5,000
• Permanent criminal record

And that's just for one count - you can be charged with multiple counts of first degree robbery for a single incident. So we're talking decades behind bars potentially.

What Should I Do if Charged With First Degree Robbery in New York?

Being charged with any violent Class B felony is terrifying. Here are some tips if you or a loved one is facing a first degree robbery accusation in NY:

• Remain silent - don't talk to police without an attorney
• Hire an experienced NY robbery crimes lawyer immediately
• Follow all bail and parole conditions closely
• Start gathering eyewitness names, video evidence, receipts, etc.
• Avoid social media posts about the case

The stakes are sky-high, so you need a tough NY robbery defense lawyer in your corner ASAP. Don't go through this alone!

Are There Defenses for First Degree Robbery Charges in New York?

Yes, absolutely! Skilled NYC robbery attorneys know how to build strong defenses against these serious charges. Some examples include:

• You were misidentified - wrong place, wrong time
• You acted in self-defense against the alleged victim
• The alleged weapon wasn't real or operational
• The "injury" was accidental or pre-existing
• You were forced to participate under duress
• You have an airtight alibi - you were demonstrably elsewhere

An experienced NY first degree robbery lawyer will aggressively attack the prosecution's evidence and create reasonable doubt however possible.

Can Someone Be Wrongly Convicted of First Degree Robbery in New York?

Absolutely. False convictions happen way more than people realize. The National Registry of Exonerations has recorded over 300 wrongful convictions for robbery in the U.S. since 1989. Some of the top contributing factors include:

• Eyewitness misidentification
• False confessions
• Jailhouse informant testimony
• Official misconduct by police and prosecutors
• Inadequate legal defense

That's why having a relentless NY robbery defense attorney in your corner is so important. They can spot red flags and major weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Can a First Degree Robbery Conviction Be Overturned in New York?

It's possible, yes. Wrongful convictions can potentially be overturned on appeal or through habeas corpus proceedings. Grounds for reversal include:

• Exculpatory DNA evidence proving innocence
• Key evidence that was suppressed
• Ineffective assistance of counsel
• Due process rights violations
• Change in witness testimony
• Prosecutorial or police misconduct

So even after a conviction, an appeals lawyer may find ways to get your case back in court and convince a judge to vacate the guilty verdict. Don't lose hope!

Takeaways

Being charged with first degree robbery in New York is terrifying. But knowledgeable defense lawyers can help. Key points to remember:

• It's an extremely serious Class B violent felony
• Up to 25 years in prison is possible
• Skilled attorneys can raise doubts and build defenses
• False convictions happen - you need a strong advocate
• Overturned verdicts are possible in some cases

I hope this overview helped explain the stakes and options for fighting NY first degree robbery charges. You have more support than you know. Don't go through this fight alone!