Philadelphia Robbery Lawyer
Robbery is the act of taking another person’s belongings without that person’s permission. Often the act involves force or a threat of force. Robbery is typically perceived as a violent act. If the police suspect someone is guilty of that type of theft, the police may forcefully pursue the transgressor with the full force of the law and consider that person dangerous. In order to protect yourself, you may need to hire an experienced criminal defense theft attorney who could offer you advice and help you navigate the justice system.
State prosecutors are highly educated and have the government’s support in order to go after alleged wrongdoers and punish them. You do not want to face them alone. A Philadelphia robbery lawyer could offer a strong defense that can aid you in your case and help prevent some or even all of the consequences that could stem from a criminal charge. They have the knowledge and skills that may be necessary to combat any attacks from the government.
Robbery Laws in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania General Assembly defines robbery in Section 3701 of Title 18. Robbery is any theft which includes one or more of the following elements:
- Serious injury of another person
- Threats of serious injury or acts that create an apprehension of serious injury
- Commission or threat to commit a first or second-degree felony during or immediately after the theft
- Any injury to another person’s body
- Threats of immediate injury to another person’s body
- Taking the item directly from another person with force
- Taking money from a bank
Penalties for a Robbery Conviction
If a court convicts someone of theft from a bank or theft that involved bodily injuring someone or threat of injury, that act is a second-degree felony. Merely physically removing some item directly from another person is a third-degree felony.
All other types of robbery are first degree felonies. Theft of an illegal drug or controlled substance can also be a first-degree felony. The government may punish a first-degree felony with up to 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $25,000.
On top of any strong punishments from the government, the court may also impose long probation periods. There is also the risk of a permanent record of being a felon and having difficulty rejoining the workforce after a conviction. Therefore, it is critical for defendants to reach out to a dedicated Philadelphia robbery attorney.
Approaching a Robbery Charge
If the police accuse a person of committing robbery, the individual should not talk to the police. The police will often try to act like a person’s friend and make it seem that they are helping the individual. However, it is advised for the person to remain silent. When someone is accused of robbery, they should contact a seasoned criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced robbery lawyer in Philadelphia could attack any evidence that the government may claim to have.
Reach Out to a Philadelphia Robbery Attorney
Do not face the unknown alone. The legal justice system can be confusing and scary, therefore, you should enlist the help of an attorney. The government wants to protect its citizens from acts of robbery and does its most to increase fear in the hearts of those who might attempt a robbery. An attorney may be the best asset you can use during the process. To find out more about how a Philadelphia robbery lawyer could help you, reach out today.