Indiana Robbery Attorneys
Easy to Find, Tough to Beat
One of our favorite victories involves a young man accused of multiple armed robberies. It took a team effort to gain the very unlikely verdict of “not-guilty” especially when the client took the stand and admitted to participating in the armed robbery. It is a great story filled with many examples of selfless teamwork that helped achieve the victory. No less than five lawyers in the firm were involved in preparing the case for trial. Even the paralegal in charge of assisting the lawyers had a major impact on that victory. True teamwork.
Working up robbery cases for trial requires tons of strategy, a complete knowledge of the facts and the utilization of creative defenses. Our trial reputation has also helped our clients receive favorable plea agreements in order for the prosecutor to avoid the risks of trial. If your lawyer is scared to go to trial, the chances of a favorable plea agreement are greatly diminished. Our team will fight for our clients on robbery cases and any other type of criminal case and if we don’t receive a resolution that we think our client deserved, we will take the case to trial. Teamwork and tenacity can go a long way to obtaining an unexpected result.
What is Robbery?
The Indiana definition of robbery is when an individual intentionally takes property from another person or from the presence of another person through the use of threats, force, or fear. If someone walks up to another person on the street and threatens to hit them if they don’t give them their wallet and phone, that could be considered robbery. If an individual pulls out a gun and demands that a woman takes off her jewelry and hand it over, that can also be considered robbery. Robbery is any sort of crime that involves the taking of something of value while implementing verbal or physical threats.
As with most other criminal charges, robbery is a broad term that may encompass several different specific types of crimes or situations. The severity of a robbery charge is often tied to the aggravating circumstances of the act itself. A robbery involving verbal threats may not rise to the severity of a robbery that employs the use of a handgun.
There are numerous unique factors that can come into play when it comes to robbery cases. That is why if you have been charged with robbery, it is necessary to contact an attorney experienced and well versed in handling these types of defense cases.
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Robbery Versus Theft
The terms “robbery” and “theft” are often used interchangeably. While the words may be similar in nature when it comes to writing an essay or telling a story, they are vastly different terms when it comes to Indiana state law. However, because their definitions are so similar, on the surface, it can be confusing to tell the two offenses apart.
Consider the following legal definitions of the terms:
Theft– When a person knowingly or intentionally exerts unauthorized control over property of another person, with intent to deprive the other person of any part of its value or use, commits theft.
Robbery– When a person knowingly or intentionally takes property from another person or from the presence of another person.
Even examining the legal definitions of the two terms, it is easy to see why they are often confused for one another or used interchangeably to describe the crime of taking someone else’s property. However, robbery differs from theft by adding two important additional elements. To be charged with the crime of robbery, an individual must either use or threaten to use force in the commission of the crime, or they must instill fear in or intimidate the other individual. These unique elements set robbery apart from theft and make it a much more serious crime with the possibility of profoundly serious legal consequences.
What may seem like theft to one person can seem like robbery to another. The mere suggestion of force or utilizing threats may turn a theft situation into a more serious robbery situation, especially if the witness or victim can reasonably persuade the courts to believe that they feared for their safety during the incident. Words and actions are powerful, and they can tip one type of charge into an entirely different realm. Robbery charges should not be taken lightly. Those facing a robbery charge need immediate, experienced legal representation.
Varieties of Robbery
There are several different types of situations that may result in a robbery charge. While the circumstances of the incident heavily determine the severity of the charge itself, it is important to note that all robbery charges are felony-level offenses. Felony level offenses carry serious repercussions in the state of Indiana and can be prosecuted aggressively, especially if threats or force is involved in the incident.
This guide offers a deeper insight into the varieties of robbery charges that an individual may face in the state:
ROBBERY– LEVEL 5 FELONY
Robbery is the act of intentionally taking someone else’s property through the use of threats, force, or fear. This offense can be raised to a Level 3 felony if the act is committed while the individual is armed with a deadly weapon or if the incident results in bodily injury to a victim. It can be considered a Level 2 felony if the act results in serious bodily injury to a victim.
ROBBERY– LEVEL 4 FELONY
An individual that knowingly takes a controlled substance from a pharmacist acting in an official capacity or from a pharmacy location by using force, threats, or fear has also committed a robbery. This charge can also be a Level 2 felony if the pharmacist or pharmacy is robbed while the individual is armed with a deadly weapon or if the individual causes bodily injury to a victim. It is a Level 1 felony if a victim suffers serious bodily injury.
BURGLARY– LEVEL 5 FELONY AND UP
Burglary is when an individual breaks and enters into a building or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft. Burglary is a Level 4 felony if the individual breaks into a building or structure that is considered a dwelling. It becomes a Level 3 felony when the act results in bodily injury to a victim. Burglary can become a Level 2 felony if committed with a deadly weapon or if it results in serious bodily injury to a victim. It can also be charged as a Level 1 felony if the building or structure is a dwelling and the act also results in serious bodily injury to a victim.
At The Criminal Defense Team, we are ready to tackle your case and provide you with the strong defense that you deserve.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer
Since robbery charges often involve violence or the threat of violence, they can be vigorously prosecuted. Individuals facing robbery charges can have their entire lives upended, and a conviction may have life-long repercussions. It can be a permanent black mark on your criminal record, a record that prospective employers and landlords have access to. This can make securing employment, a home, an apartment, or even credit extremely difficult. A robbery conviction can also seriously impact your personal and professional relationships, degrading or wearing away the only social support you have left. This can make some individuals feel like their case is hopeless or they have nowhere to turn for the help and support they need to fight back against robbery charges.
The Criminal Defense Team is here to support you. We actively and thoroughly review all the circumstances of your case and then strategize the ways in which we can help you achieve a positive outcome. We pride ourselves on being bold and creative when it comes to crafting your defense. Don’t leave your fate in the hands of an inexperienced or underqualified legal team. Contact a firm that specializes in handling cases like yours. The legal team at The Criminal Defense Team has the legal expertise to go the extra mile to provide you with the defense you deserve. Protect your rights and fight for your reputation with the our help.
Contact Us to Speak to an Attorney
Our team of lawyers is uniquely qualified to protect your freedom and interests. We believe in taking swift, aggressive action to out-maneuver the prosecution and build a strong defense. We’ve done it for thousands of clients and we can do it for you.
We defend clients in Hamilton County, Marion County, Johnson County, Hancock County, Shelby County, Boone County, Hendricks County and counties throughout Indiana. We can help you as well.