Maryland Armed Robbery Lawyer
Have you been charged with robbery, specifically armed robbery, in the state of Maryland? Experienced defense attorneys are waiting to take your call in order to schedule an initial consultation to help you prepare for your court date.
If you have been charged with armed robbery, contact a Maryland armed robbery lawyer who can review the details of your case and help you build your strongest defenses against the charge.
Defining Robbery
Robbery is generally defined as requiring two separate elements, one involving theft and the other being some type of harm or intimidation. Similar to other crimes involving theft, a charge of robbery indicates that the alleged actor attempted to deprive another of their property. However, robberies are different from other types of theft, because, in order for the prosecution to prove robbery, it must be proven that a specific act involving force, or the threat of force, took place.
There are differences between robbery and armed robbery. The statute that defines both crimes, the penalties for armed robbery can be higher
In the state of Maryland, an armed robbery is considered to be a felony. Those convicted of such a felony are subject to a sentence of imprisonment of up to twenty years. Pursuant to Maryland State Code Section 3-401, a robbery conviction without a weapons-related element could result in a term of incarceration not exceeding fifteen years.
Armed Robbery in Maryland
While both charges involve an allegation of force or the threat of force, the main difference is that an armed robbery is a specific type of robbery involving the use or display of some dangerous weapon. This can include:
- Handguns
- Rifles
- Knives
- Machetes
- Hand grenades
It is important to note that the presentation of any written note or another instrument that indicates that an actor is armed during the alleged robbery can also count towards a charge of armed robbery.
In order for an individual to be initially charged with robbery, they must be identified according to Maryland State Code Section 3-404, which states that a charging document must include several details including the name of the defendant, the name of the owner of the property or service in question, and the property or service in question.
Additionally, this charging document, according to Maryland State Code Section 3-404, must allege that the property or service in question has or had a value of $1,000 or more.
Prosecution of Armed Robbery
Often, this requires the identifying of the defendant by an eyewitness testimony. Defenses to armed robbery include lack of intent and mistake in the testimony of an alleged eyewitness.
The prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to deprive another person of their property, or at least knew what they were doing at the time of the alleged incident.
Contact A Maryland Armed Robbery Attorney
If you need help getting legal representation in court, call or email as soon as possible. A Maryland armed robbery lawyer may be able to start working on your case with you in order to build your defense in court.
You deserve the right legal team on your side. A robbery defense attorney in Maryland is here to help you. Call today.