Unique Aspects of Robbery Charges in Chester County

In Chester County, there are differences between theft and robbery which makes them distinct charges that may be charged either together or separately. Theft involves the taking of a good or service, without force or threat of force, with the intent to unlawfully and permanently deprive the rightful owner of that good or service. Theft is considered a misdemeanor. However, depending on the amount of theft involved in a case, it may also be charged as high as a felony of the third degree.

Robbery involves the taking of a good or service, with added force or threat of force, with the intent to unlawfully and permanently deprive the rightful owner of that good or service. In this way, any theft that involves the use of force, no matter how slight, is charged as a robbery. Robbery is considered a felony of the first, second, or third degree.

In Chester County, robbery is considered a more severe crime than theft as it is essentially an escalated form of theft, and is therefore treated in a more serious fashion making the use of a Chester County robbery attorney essential when determining the differences and building defenses or negotiations for either charge.

Negotiating Charges

In many cases, an experienced attorney has the ability to negotiate certain robbery charges down to misdemeanor level thefts and/or other related charges such, as simple assaults. In order to do so, the attorney must challenge the elements required to raise a misdemeanor theft to a felony robbery. Generally, such elements involve the use or threat of force.

If an attorney is able to successfully challenge the presence or threat of force in the alleged robbery, they may be able to negotiate the robbery charges down to misdemeanor theft charges below the guidelines for any felony conviction.

Theft Conviction

Certain thefts, such as those involving the disabled, minors, or elderly, are taken especially seriously. In such cases, a theft may be charged as severely as the most serious of robberies. Though a lesser charge than robbery, is still a serious crime in Chester County. Theft is considered a crime of crimen falsi, meaning a crime of deceit.

Theft convictions have lasting repercussions, impacting many aspects of the convicted individual’s life. Such convictions can prevent an individual from testifying in court or even from obtaining certain employment. In this way, a theft conviction has underlying, associated effects on an individual’s well-being and life.

Given the considerable and long-lasting consequences of a theft conviction, any individual who has been charged with a threat misdemeanor of any degree should immediately reach out to an experienced robbery attorney who can protect both their record and future.

Working with a Robbery Attorney

Because of the distinct differences between robbery and theft, a person who has been charged with robbery and/or theft in Chester County should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible in order to be assured their case can be negotiated in a favorable manner.

In Chester County, local authorities hold considerable weight in criminal prosecution matters. Local lawyers who are familiar with their localities can best mitigate the weight that such authorities hold. A robbery lawyer is able to raise the defenses most likely to succeed in court and can negotiate with local authorities and prosecutors. The experience, knowledge, and skills of a lawyer will assure you have the best aid to resolve robbery charges in a timely manner and in a way that is most favorable to you.