Carroll County Robbery Lawyer

Of all of the potential theft charges in Carroll County, few carry the same consequences as a robbery charge. Robbery is punished severely, given that it is a theft involving the use or threat of violence. If you are facing robbery charges, it is vital that you speak with a skilled theft defense attorney as soon as you can.

Understanding the charges against you may help you and an attorney formulate a strong defense. To gain a better understanding of the penalties following a robbery conviction and what legal risks you are facing, consult with a Carroll County robbery lawyer.

Defining Robbery

Robbery is the taking of another person’s property using force or the threat of force. Under state law, there are two elements a prosecutor must meet to obtain a robbery conviction. Proof is required that the defendant had intended to deprive the victim of their property and that the defendant took that property directly from the person of the victim or their near vicinity with force or threat of force.

Maryland also has laws regarding the more serious charge of armed robbery. Armed robbery is a standard robbery involving the use of a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime. Facing robbery charges can be a lot to deal with for anyone, but a robbery lawyer in Carroll County could help protect their rights during the legal process.

What are the Penalties for Robbery?

Robbery is a felony under state law. Upon a conviction for robbery, a defendant may face up to 15 years in the state penal system. Those penalties only go up if a defendant used a deadly weapon, like a firearm, in the commission of the crime. Armed robbery could carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

In Carroll County, attempting a serious theft crime is just as serious as going through with the crime. In fact, a defendant will face the same potential maximum sentence for attempted robbery as they would if they completed the crime.

Defenses in a Carroll County Robbery Case

One of the most common legal defenses in robbery cases involves an unlawful search and seizure. Every Carroll County resident is protected by the United States Constitution, including the fourth amendment protection from unlawful search and seizure. If the police illegally search the property of a defendant, their Carroll County robbery lawyer might be able to have any evidence they collected thrown out before trial.

Another common defense is actual innocence. In some cases, the best defense is to simply deny any wrongdoing. Law enforcement officers are human, and they make the same mistakes as the rest of us. If a witness incorrectly identifies a suspect, the defendant could provide evidence that they were not present at the scene at all.

While rarely used, duress is also a valid defense. Duress involves the commission of a robbery against the defendant’s will or under coercion. Another person could coerce a defendant to commit the robbery, which would provide the defendant with a defense.

Speak with a Carroll County Robbery Attorney

Due to their violent nature, robbery charges are often considered one of the most serious offenses in Carroll County. Consequently, the penalties following a conviction are quite severe. However, not every robbery case results in a guilty verdict.

If you are able to prevail at your robbery trial, you could avoid any of the serious consequences of a robbery conviction. To fight back against the robbery charges you are facing, call a Carroll County robbery lawyer today.