Virginia Robbery Attorney
Although the term “robbery” is sometimes conflated with “theft,” the two terms have very different meanings in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Theft (known as larceny in Virginia) is the unlawful taking of another’s property. Robbery involved elements of theft (or larceny) and assault, requiring the use or threat of violence in order to take another’s property.
Because violence is involved, robbery is treated a much more serious crime (particularly armed robbery). If you have been charged with robbery in the Commonwealth of Virginia, don’t go it alone: contact a Virginia robbery lawyer today.
What is the Definition of Robbery?
Robbery is generally defined as an offender using fear or physical force against the victim to obtain money or property. When a deadly weapon like a gun is used or the victim suffers an injury during the robbery, the Commonwealth may change the charge to “aggravated” or “armed” robbery.
Under the Code of Virginia 18.2-58, a person who commits robbery takes a victim’s money or property in three ways. It can involve the use of force such as by striking, suffocating, partial strangling or any other assault on the victim. The person may not physically touch the victim, but take his or her property by putting the victim in fear of serious harm. The third way an offender commits robbery in the Commonwealth is by using any instrument such as a baseball bat, gun or knife.
The amount of force does not matter. The threat or use of force can be slight.
It’s robbery as long as the intimidation or violence was enough to force the victim to hand over his or her property.
Range of Offenses
In Northern Virginia, robbery is separated into two offenses: first and second-degree categories. A Virginia robbery lawyer can explain how the law may apply to the facts of your case.
First degree occurs when a person uses violence against the victim or threatens deadly force (using a weapon). Typically, a first-degree robbery conviction in the Commonwealth involves a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
How is Second Degree Robbery Characterized?
With this offense, a person places the alleged victim in fear of harm. The offender may also be charged if he or sue used any means such as electronic shock or drugs to temporarily disable the victim.
A conviction of second-degree robbery nets five to 18 years in prison. Carjacking doesn’t have a first or second offense. Instead, it carries a separate charge. If the robbery involves a vehicle, it’s considered carjacking which has a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Mandatory Sentencing
A mandatory minimum involves the prison time the convicted individual must complete before he or she can leave prison. For example, an individual convicted of his or her first robbery charge may receive a mandatory minimum of three years in prison. The mandatory minimum increases with each robbery conviction. For instance, a person’s second robbery conviction may carry a mandatory minimum of five years in prison making it extremely important that a NoVa robbery attorney is contacted.
Elements of Robbery the Prosecutor Must Prove for Conviction
For the accused to become convicted of robbery, the prosecutor must prove some basic elements, or components, of the case. There are five basic elements of robbery that the prosecutor government must prove.
- Intent – The offender intends to take or steal
- Personal Property – The offender intends to steal personal property of another
- Presence of Victim – The property is taken from either his or her person or in his or her presence
- Volitional Act – The act done against the victim’s will
- Harm – The act done by violence, threat of force or intimidation
How a Virginia Robbery Lawyer Can Help
Your robbery attorney in Virginia can work with you to build a legal defense strategy tailored to the facts of your case. Your experienced robbery lawyer can collect evidence, thoroughly review the prosecution’s case against you, and then aggressively fight challenge their case in court. If you are facing these serious charges in Virginia, it can be important to consult with a Virginia robbery lawyer to discuss your options. Make sure you have an advocate who can tell your side of the story and diligently work to protect you.