ROBBERY CHARGES IN PENNSYLVANIA
If you have been arrested for robbery the penalties in Pennsylvania are very serious, as any type of robbery is considered a felony.
A robbery is considered a violent crime and involves harming, or threatening to harm, someone by using physical force or a weapon. If someone is convicted of robbery, the theft charges must be proven in addition to the use of force.
There are three degrees of robbery that carry different penalties, but all of them have one thing in common: any robbery conviction is a felony that includes significant jail time.
A robbery conviction has the potential to ruin the rest of your life. A felony on your permanent record makes it difficult to get a job once you have completed your prison sentence. The likelihood of many years of incarceration, followed by years under probation, means a total loss of personal freedom.
But being charged with robbery is not the same as a conviction.
Until you are proven guilty, you still have rights. That is why it is crucial to have an experienced criminal attorney by your side to fight for your rights.
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ROBBERY CHARGES DO NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE GUILTY
OR THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROBBERY AND THEFT?
Unlike a more typical, or lesser theft charge, robbery charges can result with any value of property – a $30 pair of sneakers or $3,000 laptop. The penalty for the robbery charges depend more on the level of force used in taking the item or property – not the actual value of the property.
In order to be convicted of a robbery, it must be found that you committed a theft, or improper taking, by force.
The term “force” includes putting a person in fear of bodily injury or serious bodily injury. You do not have to perpetrate an actual act of violence to be charged with robbery. It is enough that you threaten the use of force or violence and/or the person is put in fear for their personal safety.
ROBBERY PENALTIES IN PENNSYLVANIA
There are three varying degrees of charges for a robbery offense:
- First Degree Robbery occurs when one inflicts serious bodily harm, or the threat of serious bodily harm during a theft. In addition, if one commits, or attempts to commit, an additional first or second degree felony during the commission of a theft, the theft charge will also be increased to a first degree robbery.
First degree robbery carries a penalty of up to 20 years in jail and fines up to $25,000.
- Second Degree Robbery occurs when a bodily injury, or threat of a bodily injury, occurs during commission of a theft. The bodily injury does not have to be serious or life threatening.
Second degree robbery carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.
- Third Degree Robbery is the lowest level robbery offense. You will be charged with third degree robbery if ANY level of force is used in the commission of a theft – “however slight.” No actual injury need occur.
Third degree robbery carries a penalty of up to 7 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
_________________________________________________________
ROBBERY CHARGES DO NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE GUILTY
OR THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
____________________________________________________________
ARMED ROBBERY
Robbery offenses often occur with the use of a weapon – characterized as armed robbery. The weapon does not have to be used – the mere threat of use is enough to satisfy a robbery charge. In this case, you could face additional charges beyond robbery such as assault or weapons charges that will increase your sentencing.
An experienced Pittsburgh theft attorney can properly analyze the evidence and begin crafting a proper defense that is specific to the circumstances in your case. Perhaps the prosecution lacks evidence of intent or they will be unable to show proof that the victim feared for their safety.
Attorney Shrager is a skilled Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer who fights hard to get his clients charges reduced or dropped.
Call or text David J. Shrager now at 412-969-2540 for a free consultation.
A Theft Attorney Who Will Fight for Your Rights
If you have been arrested under theft charges, or think you may be under investigation call an experienced theft attorney for a free consultation.
Talk to a compassionate attorney who will try to understand your situation and then help you understand your rights. Attorney Shrager will do everything possible to attack your charges and fight for your rights.
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FREE Legal Consultation
Call or Text 412-969-2540 right now for a FREE initial legal consultation.
Speak directly with David J. Shrager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
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