Denver Robbery Lawyer

Because robbery is considered a violent crime, it is always charged as a felony, even if the value of the items stolen were of minimal or no value. If you have been arrested for robbery in Colorado, you face anywhere from two years to 48 years in prison. You need to speak to an attorney if you are being charged with any type of robbery. Denver robbery lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law can assist you with mounting a strong legal defense.

Simple Robbery

Simple robbery is theft of an item from a person with the use of physical force, intimidation, or threats. As such, it differs from purse snatching or pick pocketing in that the offender uses force. For example, if a pickpocket is caught in the act and the victim resists in any way, the pickpocket can be charged with simple robbery instead of a class 5 felony larceny charge. Simple robbery is a Class 4 felony, punishable by two to six years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. However, if the alleged victim is an elderly or disabled person, the prison sentence can go up to 12 years.

Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robbery, or “armed” robbery, occurs when the offender uses a deadly weapon, such as a firearm, knife, club, or any other weapon that could potentially be used to cause serious bodily harm or death. The offender does not have to physically use the weapon on the victim for it to be considered armed/aggravated robbery. Simply threatening the victim with it is enough. Additionally, if any accomplice has a deadly weapon, and the individual who actually does the robbery does not, an aggravated robbery charge can still stick. Aggravated robbery is a Class 3 felony, punishable by four to 16 years in prison and fines of $750,000. If, during the robbery, the offender:

• Knowingly injures or strikes a victim with a deadly weapon
• Or by force, threats, or intimidation puts the victim in reasonable fear of death or bodily injury. . .

The mandatory minimum prison sentence is extended to 10 years, with a maximum prison sentence of 32 years.

Armed Robbery of a Controlled Substance

Prosecutors will also charge a defendant with armed robbery if the robbery item in question is a controlled substance. Aggravated robbery of a controlled substance from a pharmacy, store, individual, or other party that is in lawful possession of the controlled substance is a Class 2 felony, punishable by 16 to 48 years in prison and fines of up to $1,000,000.

Call a Denver Robbery Lawyer Today

While your situation may seem hopeless at this moment, there are legal defense strategies against robbery charges that may be relevant in your situation, such as impaired mental condition, insanity, mistaken identity, duress, choice of justification, and simple lack of evidence. No matter the situation, Denver robbery lawyer Reid DeChant at DeChant Law can help you fight for your freedom. Call us today at 303-409-7500 for a free consultation.