McKinney, TX Robbery Defense Attorneys

Lawyers for Robbery and Aggravated Robbery Charges in McKinney, Texas

While robbery is a property crime, since it involves taking money or property from someone else, it is also treated as a violent crime. People may be accused of robbery when they have allegedly used force against someone else, and certain factors can lead to enhanced charges and serious penalties. As a felony offense, the penalties for robbery can be harsh, and people who are facing these charges will need to understand what steps they can take to defend against convictions.

Robbery combines elements of theft with the use of violence, and prosecutors may argue that a person took actions that were intended to cause harm. A defendant can work with a criminal defense attorney to address the accusations they are facing and respond to the prosecutor's accusations. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers know how these cases are handled, and we can provide the representation needed to protect our clients' rights. We will work to prevent convictions and help clients put these matters behind them.

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When Robbery Charges May Apply

The offense of robbery generally involves theft in which a person threatened to injure someone, caused them to fear that they would suffer an injury or death, or actually inflicted injuries against someone else. While some robbery charges may involve accusations of intentional injuries, people may also be charged with robbery in which no injuries occurred based on claims that they intentionally threatened someone in order to take money or property.

A person who is accused of snatching a purse from someone's shoulder, causing the alleged victim to stumble and fall to the ground, may face robbery charges. In this case, the physical contact made during the incident and the actions that put the alleged victim at risk of being injured satisfy the elements needed for robbery charges. Similarly, a person who is accused of shoving a store employee while fleeing with stolen merchandise could face robbery charges based on claims that their actions caused the employee to suffer harm.

Robbery charges may also apply in situations involving verbal threats rather than physical contact. A person who allegedly told a cashier that they would be hurt if they did not hand over money from a register can face robbery charges, because their threats placed the alleged victim in fear of imminent harm. Because of the wide range of circumstances surrounding theft that may qualify as robbery, a person could be charged with this offense even if they did not appear to use violence.

Robbery Vs. Aggravated Robbery Penalties

In many cases, robbery is charged as a second-degree felony, and a person who is convicted could be sentenced to between two and 20 years in prison. These charges may apply when a person has allegedly caused a bodily injury or caused another person to fear that they would suffer imminent harm.

Robbery charges will be more serious in cases involving aggravating factors. Aggravated robbery may involve the infliction of serious injuries, including any forms of bodily harm that led to disability or disfigurement or put someone at risk of being killed. The use of a deadly weapon while committing robbery can also lead to aggravated robbery charges, and applicable weapons may include guns, knives, or other dangerous instruments. In other cases, aggravated robbery charges may be based on the identity of the alleged victim, including a person who is over the age of 65 or has a disability. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony, and the penalties may include a prison sentence lasting from five to 99 years.

Evidence Used in Robbery Cases

When charging a person with robbery, prosecutors may use testimonies from witnesses, physical evidence from the scene of the alleged crime, and surveillance footage from security cameras or other cameras. Images captured by business security cameras will often play a central role in these cases, especially when robberies allegedly occurred at retail stores, banks, or other commercial properties. Prosecutors may work with witnesses to identify a person who allegedly committed robbery, and these witnesses may include alleged victims or bystanders who witnessed an incident.

Physical evidence may include fingerprints or DNA taken from the scene of an alleged crime. Law enforcement officers may find stolen property during searches of homes or vehicles, and they may use this evidence to connect a person to an alleged offense. Cell phone location data may help to identify suspects, and other digital evidence may also be used to connect a person with a robbery.

In cases involving accusations of aggravated robbery, evidence related to weapons that were allegedly used may play a role in a case. A firearm or another weapon that matches the weapon used during a robbery may serve as evidence that the person who owned or possessed the weapon committed the offense. Medical evidence related to the injuries that occurred may also determine whether the harm inflicted was severe enough to qualify for aggravated robbery charges.

Challenging the Evidence in Robbery Cases

Our attorneys will look at all evidence involved in a case to determine how to challenge the claims made by the prosecutor. We may argue that eyewitness testimony is unreliable and that a person was identified incorrectly based on faulty observations or memories. We will look at the procedures used to identify a suspect, including whether witnesses may have been influenced into identifying a specific suspect during a lineup or when looking at photos.

We will also review surveillance footage and other physical evidence, looking for inconsistencies or other factors that could be used to challenge the accusations made by prosecutors. We can determine whether the evidence truly supports claims that a person stole property and purposely inflicted injuries or made threats. In cases involving charges of aggravated robbery, we can review accusations related to the use of weapons, and we may dispute whether a person displayed a weapon or threatened someone with a weapon. We will work to have charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible.

Contact Our McKinney Robbery Defense Lawyers

Because of the lengthy prison sentences that people may face when they are convicted of robbery or aggravated robbery, a strong defense is essential in these cases. At Texas Defense Firm, we work with clients to challenge the claims made by prosecutors and defend against convictions for robbery. Contact our McKinney, TX robbery attorneys at 972-369-0577 to arrange a free consultation.