Allegations of robbery must be taken seriously because of the steep consequences that come with a conviction. These felony charges could lead to substantial monetary fines and a lengthy prison term. The good news is that a Boulder robbery lawyer could help you fight back.

If you or someone you love has been accused of robbery, it is important to seek help from experienced legal counsel right away. A skilled theft attorney at Petrash Law could review the allegations against you before helping you plot a path for your defense.

What Qualifies As Robbery?

Under Colorado law, robbery is defined as knowingly taking anything of value from another person by the use of force, threats, or intimidation. There must be some element of confrontation or coercion involved, including direct interaction with the alleged victim.

This distinguishes robbery from general theft or burglary, which may occur without direct interaction with the victim. The force or threat can be as little as grabbing an item from someone’s hands or making a verbal threat while taking their purse.

Aggravated robbery is a more serious version of the offense involving the use of a deadly weapon, simulated weapon, or assistance from an armed accomplice. Even if the weapon turns out to be fake, the charge can remain elevated if the victim reasonably believed they were in danger. This offense is considered a felony, meaning someone could spend years in prison if convicted. It is important to seek advice about any robbery charges from a Boulder lawyer to ensure your right to a fair defense.

Penalties For a Robbery Conviction

As a felony, robbery carries serious legal consequences that can follow someone for years. A conviction for simple robbery is a Class 4 felony that can result in between two and six years in prison. If the offense is charged as aggravated robbery, the penalties are significantly more severe.

Aggravated robbery is a Class 3 felony and may include mandatory prison sentences, especially when a deadly weapon is involved. Someone could serve a maximum of 12 years in prison if convicted and face long-term consequences beyond the courtroom, including loss of employment opportunities, difficulty securing housing, and the loss of the right to own a firearm. However, these penalties only come into play with a conviction. An experienced attorney could help you fight robbery charges in Boulder and avoid a mark on your record.

Potential Defense Strategies

There are different ways a Boulder lawyer could approach defending you when facing a robbery charge in court. While multiple strategies are available, finding the right approach starts with carefully reviewing the facts. Some options include:

  • Consent
  • Duress
  • Lack of intent
  • Lack of evidence
  • Actual innocence
  • Mistaken identity
  • Constitutional violations
  • No use of force or intimidation

Finding the right approach can be difficult on your own, as most people lack the experience to carefully evaluate the facts of a robbery case. You are entitled to rely on your attorney throughout this process, which will only improve your chances of getting the result you deserve.

Contact a Boulder Robbery Attorney Today For Help

Robbery is one of the most serious theft-related charges. If you have been accused of robbing someone, you must seek out experienced legal counsel who understands how to fight these charges and hold the prosecution to their high burden. Representing yourself in court will only work against you. Contact a Boulder robbery lawyer at Petrash Law as soon as possible to get started.