There is no easy resolution to robbery and aggravated robbery cases. Having a good, aggressive criminal defense lawyer can make the difference in getting the best possible outcome for your situation.
Escalating Robbery Charges
Robbery is theft with the added element of bodily harm or threat of harm. Injury, if it occurs, does not have to be on purpose, which means that in Texas robbery scenarios can escalate quickly and unexpectedly. A case of shoplifting can go from theft to robbery if an officer or loss prevention employee accidentally scrapes their knee in pursuit. What would have been Class C misdemeanor theft (punishable by a fine) becomes a second-degree felony robbery, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Aggravated robbery is even more serious. Law enforcement and prosecutors treat aggravated robbery as seriously as murder, and the punishment range is the same: 5 to 99 years prison and a fine up to $10,000. Aggravated robbery involves a serious injury, use or display of a deadly weapon, or injuring or threatening someone over 65 or disabled. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office and other Texas prosecutors have a long-standing policy against offering deferred adjudication (probation) in aggravated robbery cases. If you are facing an aggravated robbery charge, you have a serious fight on your hands because the prosecutor wants to see you go to prison.
Consequences of Arrest and Conviction
The consequences of a felony conviction can affect child custody, employment, and the ability to get or keep security clearance or professional licenses. Even being arrested for robbery or aggravated robbery may affect the ability to rent a place to live or get a loan. If you are not a US citizen, a robbery or aggravated robbery charge can have serious immigration consequences. Under federal law, a felony conviction—even a guilty plea with deferred adjudication—will result in deportation, denial of reentry, and denial of naturalization.
Defending Against a Robbery or Aggravated Robbery Charge
Brian Roberts has handled many robbery and aggravated robbery cases, both as a criminal defense lawyer and, before that, as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Brian understands the law, the courts, and the way prosecutors think. Robbery and aggravated robbery are high-stakes charges. Contact Roberts Criminal Law at (713) 237-8888 today to let Brian Roberts represent you.