Los Angeles Armed Robbery Defense Attorney
Armed robbery is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can be charged with in Los Angeles. While ALL robberies are charged as a felony offense, armed robbery can often result in significant jail or state prison time. If you are convicted of committing a robbery with a gun, you also face the possibility of an additional prison sentence from 10 to 25 years. That is very serious indeed!
In Los Angeles, a robbery occurs when a person takes the personal property of another person by the use of fear or actual force. To be charged with a robbery, the alleged defendant must take the property directly from the alleged victim.
Robbery charges may be filed as first-degree robbery or filed as second-degree robbery. The maximum prison sentence for first-degree robbery is 6 to 9 years. The maximum prison sentence for second-degree robbery is 5-years. Robbery is serious felony and is considered a “strike offense,” in California which means that you will face significantly increased penalties if you are ever convicted of another subsequent felony at some future time.
Armed Robbery Charges in Los Angeles
Considering these serious potential prison penalties associated with an armed robbery conviction, choosing the right criminal defense attorney is critical. Troy Slaten has the experience and skills to examine the strengths and weaknesses of an armed robbery criminal case, and use his skills to get your case dismissed or reduced to lesser charges so as to downgrade the potential consequences of the criminal charges facing you. If necessary, he will prepare and bring a strong defense to trial.
Enhanced Penalties for a Los Angeles Armed Robbery
In addition to any prison time you may be required to serve for a first or second-degree robbery conviction, you may be sentenced to a prison term of 10 to 25 years for the separate offense of using a weapon in the commission of a crime. In California, the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime may result in the following penalties:
- A 10-year prison sentence for use of a firearm in the commission of a crime.
- A 20-year prison sentence if you discharged the firearm.
- A 25-years-to-life prison sentence if you killed another person or caused serious bodily harm.
Possible Armed Robbery Defenses
It is not uncommon that a person is unjustly convicted of armed robbery based on faulty eye-witness identification in a police line-up. There are many defenses that a skilled and experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can use to help you fight your armed robbery charges. Armed Robbery Defense Attorney Troy Slaten has over 20-years experience specializing in defending felony criminal charges. We have many resources including the thorough investigation of every aspect of a criminal case to determine the best possible strategies to use in your unique defense. When you retain Criminal Defense Lawyer Troy Slaten, he will personally work along side you to get you armed robbery charges dismissed or reduced through a negotiated plea arrangement or take your case to a jury trial, if necessary.
