Have you been arrested for robbery in Dallas, TX? While robbery is considered a violent crime in Texas, it does not require actual injury to be convicted. It can be easy for a theft charge to be upgraded to robbery or even aggravated robbery with a potential penalty of up to 20 years or even life in prison.
You do not need to fight the charges you are facing alone. The Edgett Law Firm represents Dallas residents facing all types of violent and theft charges, including robbery. Contact our law office as soon as possible for a free consultation with a Dallas robbery defense lawyer to protect your rights.
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How the Edgett Law Firm Can Help When You Are Facing Robbery Charges
If you have been arrested for robbery in Dallas, one of the most important steps you can take when your future is at risk is choosing the right defense lawyer. Consulting with an experienced Dallas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible is crucial to protect your rights and defend yourself. Your lawyer will work to protect your rights, ensure evidence that strengthens your defense is properly collected, exploit weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and help you build an effective defense.
You may feel overwhelmed and even frightened as you face a potentially long prison sentence, especially with an aggressive prosecutor who is seeking the harshest penalty possible. A Dallas robbery defense attorney will serve as your advocate to help you at every stage of the Texas criminal justice system.
At the Edgett Law Firm, we focus solely on criminal defense cases. We have successfully handled more than 5,000 cases with decades of experience representing clients facing serious charges involving theft and violent offenses. You have the right to a vigorous defense and deserve a lawyer who will not rest in defending you.
When you choose the Edgett Law Firm to represent you in your robbery case, you can count on us to:
- Protect your legal rights
- Guide you through the complex criminal justice process
- Conduct an investigation into your case
- Discuss possible defense strategies, the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s case, and what you can expect going forward
- Fight to have your charges reduced or dismissed
- Negotiate a satisfactory plea bargain with the prosecution
- Present your defense in court before a jury
No matter how hopeless your case may seem, the last thing you want is to receive a lengthy prison sentence and wonder if an attorney could have helped you.
At the Edgett Law Firm, we are here to help you through every stage of the criminal justice system, from fighting for reduced or dismissed charges to, if convicted, presenting a case for the most lenient sentence possible. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free case review with a Dallas robbery defense lawyer to discuss the details of your case.
What Is Robbery in Dallas?
Robbery is a common theft crime in Texas. Under Texas Penal Code Section 29.02, robbery is defined as committing theft while intentionally, recklessly, or knowingly causing bodily injury to someone else or placing them in fear of imminent harm or death.
Note that the bodily injury does not need to be serious. A simple scratch is enough to elevate a charge from theft to a much more serious robbery charge. The other party does not even need to be injured or touched if they are placed in fear of harm which may occur if a weapon is displayed.
Robbery vs. Armed Robbery in Dallas
There are two robbery offenses under Texas law: robbery and aggravated robbery. The difference between these two charges is typically whether a deadly weapon was displayed or used during the offense.
Aggravated robbery is an elevated degree of robbery with the harshest penalties allowed under the law. It is usually charged when a deadly weapon is used or exhibited while committing theft, hence it’s often called “armed robbery.” However, a deadly weapon does not necessarily need to be used to face an aggravated robbery charge.
You may also be charged with aggravated robbery if you commit a robbery offense and cause bodily injury or threaten someone who is disabled or under 65 years old. “Disabled” can refer to someone with a developmental, physical, or mental disability under Texas law. Note that robbery can become aggravated without a deadly weapon if the victim is one of these protected classes, no matter how serious or minor the injury.
Penalties for Robbery in Dallas
Robbery is a second-degree felony in Texas. If convicted, robbery is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Aggravated robbery is a more serious charge with stiffer penalties. The penalty for aggravated robbery in Texas is a prison sentence of 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000.
For a first offense, aggravated robbery has a sentence of 5-99 years. If your case goes to trial, a jury may choose probation instead. However, if you waive your right to a jury, a judge cannot assign probation for aggravated robbery.
Texas does not have formal sentencing guidelines which gives judges and juries a great deal of discretion at sentencing. The length of a sentence for robbery may depend on many factors such as character, prior criminal record, and mitigating circumstances. Your attorney will argue on your behalf to demonstrate good character traits and mitigating factors that put you in the best possible light.
This is crucial because, even if you are convicted of robbery, an experienced defense attorney in Dallas can still help by arguing for the most lenient sentence possible.
Depending on the details of your case, there may be many mitigating factors that can help you at sentencing. Perhaps you played only a small role in the crime or you had a motive that can garner sympathy. If you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the offense, your attorney can present evidence that you are not normally someone who would commit the offense and have sought treatment.
You may qualify for probation if you are convicted of robbery. Your Dallas robbery defense attorney will discuss this possibility with you. Probation is more likely with a simple robbery charge compared to an aggravated robbery charge. It is also more likely if you do not have a prior felony conviction.
Defenses to a Robbery Charge in Texas
While you may feel hopeless when you are facing a robbery charge, there are many possible strategies to defend yourself. A Dallas aggravated robbery defense lawyer will help you explore defenses to the charges you face. The following are some of the most common defenses to robbery in Texas.
- You have an alibi. If your defense attorney can show that you are innocent because you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, your case can be dismissed.
- You were the true owner of the property in question. If you owned the property you are being accused of stealing, a robbery charge should not be applied to you.
- There is a lack of evidence. Your Dallas robbery defense lawyer will seek to have your case dropped if there is a lack of credible evidence against you or strong evidence that you did not commit the crime.
- Duress. This defense may be possible if you were threatened to commit the crime and believed harm would come to you or someone else if you did not.
- There was a lack of intent. A robbery charge requires showing that there was intent to commit robbery and deprive the owner of the property of the item in question. You may have a defense if your attorney can show that there was no intent. Intent can be difficult for the prosecution to prove, especially if there was no evidence of preparation for the crime and no injury.
Do not lose hope when you are facing a robbery charge. Experienced Dallas robbery defense lawyers will work to defend you by introducing as much reasonable doubt as possible after a thorough investigation of your case. The burden is on the prosecution to prove every element of a robbery defense, including intent, knowledge, and injury or fear on the part of the victim. If any element of the crime is missing, a successful defense can be built.
Contact a Dallas Robbery Defense Lawyer
A robbery conviction can change your life. Even without a conviction, facing a charge for a violent crime can upend your relationships, employment, and living circumstances. You deserve the best possible legal defense against the charges you are facing and an advocate who will fight for your rights.
The Edgett Law Firm is here to help you defend yourself and fight for your freedom. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Dallas robbery defense lawyer who will help you explore your defense options.