Introduction
Robbery is a serious crime that can lead to financial penalties in addition to other consequences. You’ve committed this offense if you’ve taken property from a person against their wishes.
Since robbery involves stealing directly from a person, the legal system views it more harshly than other instances of theft. If you’ve been accused of this crime in Mesa, it’s important to stay informed about your rights. Speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to protect your future.
Robbery Laws in Mesa
Robbery is typically charged as a felony crime in Mesa. The legal system may classify the offense as either robbery, armed robbery, or aggravated robbery, depending on the details of the case. Let’s look closer at each category below:
Robbery
A robbery conviction can result from taking property that belongs to another person or taking something from someone’s body or immediate presence. In addition, you may receive a robbery conviction for taking something against someone else’s will. Or by using or threatening to use force to make someone give up their property.
Armed Robbery
Armed robbery is the same as regular robbery, except it involves using a weapon (including a replica or toy). You could receive an armed robbery charge if the weapon in question was available for use or in the immediate possession of you or an accomplice. Note that the weapon doesn’t need to have been seen by anyone or displayed but must have been present when the offense was committed.
Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated robbery requires the same elements as robbery with an additional factor. For your offense to qualify as aggravated robbery, you must have been working with an accomplice who was there when you committed the crime.
Burglary vs. Robbery
While these crimes are often related, burglary is different than robbery. Burglary is the act of entering someone’s property with the intention to commit a felony crime. Keep in mind that you can commit this offense without actually stealing anything. For example, entering your ex’s apartment without her permission with the intention to steal something would count as burglary.
Robbery, on the other hand, is much more serious as it involves taking property from someone against their will. This offense requires that you actually take property from a person, rather than stealing or intending to steal from a place.
Robbery Penalties in Mesa
As mentioned, Arizona law considers robbery to be a felony offense, while aggravated and armed robbery count as dangerous offenses. If the crime involved a weapon, caused someone to get hurt, or involved an imminent threat of injury, penalties will be much more severe.
Robbery Penalties
According to Arizona law, robbery is a class 4 felony crime. If you receive this conviction, you may get between a year and 3.75 years in prison, fines up to $150,000, restitution, and assessments in addition to other costs.
Armed Robbery Penalties
Armed robbery counts as a dangerous offense and, consequently, will result in harsher penalties than ordinary robbery. For a first offense of armed robbery, you may get between 7 and 21 years in prison, up to $150,000 in fines, assessments, restitution, and other fees and costs.
Aggravated Robbery Penalties
Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony offense according to Arizona law. If you receive such a charge, you may end up going to prison for up to 8.75 years, paying up to $150,000 in fines, and receiving assessments in addition to paying restitution and other fees.
What is a “Dangerous Offense” in Arizona?
Some crimes, including “dangerous offenses,” are treated more seriously by Arizona law than others, due to the specific factors present. A dangerous offense involves the use, discharge, or threat of using a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon. These crimes also include knowingly or intentionally inflicting physical harm on someone else.
Having a criminal record can be a serious burden. Whether you’re dealing with a robbery, armed robbery, or aggravated robbery charge, it’s imperative that you protect your interests. By working with a skilled robbery lawyer in Mesa, you’ll have someone who knows the ins and outs of the law on your side. If you have any questions, speak with a legal professional today.
JacksonWhite Law in Mesa, Arizona
JacksonWhite Law has been serving clients in the Mesa area since 1983. We offer a full range of legal assistance and have plenty of experience navigating cases just like yours with great success. As one of the biggest firms in the East Valley, we work to provide advanced, insightful legal solutions to families, businesses, and individuals throughout the state of Arizona.
From fines, to probation and jail time, being in legal trouble is no laughing matter. It could harm your opportunities in life and even make it harder to find a place to live. Speak with one of our skilled lawyers today to get answers to your questions and to protect your future.
JacksonWhite Mesa Office
Our Mesa office is on the northwest corner of W. Pepper and N. Center Street. You may park on Pepper or in the parking garage nearby.
The Mesa city court is located on the northwest corner of Pomeroy Street and 1st Avenue. You’ll find a public parking garage behind the building, which you can access from Pomeroy or Main Street.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
