Arizona’s Armed Robbery Laws

Introduction

Armed robbery charges come with serious penalties. In Arizona, armed robbery is taking someone’s possessions by using a deadly weapon such as a gun or a knife. Robberies committed with a gun are usually punished more severely than other weapons.

Everyday household items, like a baseball bat or a brick can be considered weapons when used to in a robbery.

What is Armed Robbery in Arizona?

Armed robbery, meaning theft by force with a deadly weapon, is a class 2 felony in Arizona with a typical sentence of 4-10 years in prison. A person commits armed robbery by:

1. Taking another person’s property by force
2. That force involves a deadly weapon

Difference between Robbery and Armed Robbery?

Armed robbery is among the most serious of theft crimes. Somebody commits ordinary robbery when they use violence or the threat of violence to take property from another person. The state elevates this charge to armed robbery when the person uses a weapon to commit the robbery. Armed robberies are punished more severely than most theft crimes, not only because they involve a weapon, but also because they are a victim’s crime. That is to say that those who commit an armed robbery personally confront their victims and take the property by means of aggressive force.

What are the Penalties for Armed Robbery?

Armed robbery is classified under “Dangerous Offenses” in A.R.S. 13.1904. Penalties for dangerous offenses are classified under A.R.S. 13.704 and include:

• 1st Offense – 7 to 21 years in prison;
  • $750 to $150,000 fines
• 2nd Offense – 14 to 28 years in prison;
  • $750 to $150,000 fines
• 3rd Charge – 21 to 35 years;
  • $750 to $150,000 fines

As you can tell, the penalties for armed robbery are very serious, and even a 1st offense can mean serious prison time.

It’s Possible to Have your Armed Robbery Charges Reduced

Even though your armed robbery charges are extremely serious, it is possible to have some penalties against you reduced under certain circumstances.

Armed Robbery Case Results Example

We’ve helped clients in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona facing all types of violent crime charges. Here’s an example of a violent crime case that had a positive outcome:

Court: Scottsdale City Court

Charges: one count assault, one count criminal damage, one count disorderly conduct

Our Result: charges dropped to class 1 misdemeanor disorderly conduct, 9-month diversion program, counseling and fines

To see how we’ve helped clients facing other charges, check out our recent case results.

Get help with Armed Robbery Charges in Arizona

Arizona defendants accused of committing armed robbery face serious consequences. Armed robbery is a felony charge that almost always carries jail or prison time. Those charged with armed robbery in Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale or Tempe should recruit a Mesa criminal lawyer to help them prepare their defense.

Simply going with a public defender puts you at risk of incurring penalties that can significantly increase the amount of negative impact these charges have on your life. By hiring a dedicated and experienced lawyer, you have the opportunity to lessen the penalties against you. At JacksonWhite, we offer the our dedication and expertise to you.

We invite you to call for a free and private case review. We can discuss your options and help decide which legal option is best for you moving forward.

 

Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.