Los Angeles Robbery Lawyer

If Los Angeles-area authorities charge you with robbery, schedule a consultation at once with Los Angeles robbery attorney Douglas Miranda at Miranda Rights Law Firm. Attorney Douglas Miranda represents robbery defendants in Los Angeles and across Southern California.

Robbery is defined by California law as the felonious taking of personal property in another person’s possession, from their person or immediate presence, against their will, through means of force or fear.

Robbery combines theft with the use or threat of force. It’s a serious criminal charge, and it’s a first-degree felony if committed in some locations. A lengthy prison sentence is possible for a robbery conviction, so a defendant must be represented by an experienced Los Angeles robbery lawyer.

What Are the Elements of Robbery?

Under California law, the perpetrator of a robbery must take possession of someone’s personal property directly from the victim’s person or immediate presence (that is, taken from a victim’s room or vehicle while the victim is present). Additionally, the perpetrator must:

1. Take the property against the victim’s will
2. Use physical force or cause fear of injury to the victim or to others
3. Intend to permanently deprive the property’s owner of the stolen property

What Constitutes First-Degree Robbery?

Under California’s criminal justice system, every robbery is a felony. Robbery is a first-degree felony if the robbery takes place:

1. Inside an inhabited structure (any structure where someone resides)
2. In a vehicle providing public transportation (including Lyft and Uber vehicles)
3. At or in the vicinity of an ATM (automated teller machine)

What Constitutes Second-Degree Robbery?

Under the California penal code, all other robberies are second-degree felonies, including:

1. Street muggings (not in the vicinity of an ATM)
2. Liquor store, bank, and other commercial business robberies

Shoplifting becomes robbery when a shoplifter uses force or fear to attempt an escape.

What Are the Consequences of a Robbery Conviction?

A second-degree robbery conviction entails a sentence of 2, 3, or 5 years. A first-degree robbery conviction usually carries a sentence of 3, 4, or 6 years. A first-degree robbery in an inhabited structure with two or more accomplices acting in concert entails a sentence of up to 9 years.

A first- or second-degree felony robbery is considered a “violent” felony, so a robbery conviction counts as a “strike” on your record. The sentence for a third-strike conviction is usually 25 years to life.

How Are Armed Robberies Penalized?

Under the state’s 10-20-Life statute, a convicted robber who used a firearm or other deadly weapon to intimidate and instill fear during a robbery may face up to ten years in a California state prison on top of the sentence for the robbery.

If a gun is fired, the additional penalty increases to twenty years. If a victim or bystander was seriously injured or killed during a robbery, the additional sentence may stretch from 25 years to life.

How Will Miranda Rights Law Firm Help You Fight Robbery Charges?

The legal defenses against a robbery charge that Los Angeles robbery attorney Douglas Miranda may offer on your behalf include:

1. You’re a victim of mistaken identity: Robbery cases usually rely on eyewitness testimony, which is often unreliable. A robbery defendant may be falsely accused.
2. Force was not used: To reduce the robbery charge to a lesser offense, a Los Angeles County defense lawyer may argue that no actual force or threat of force was used or implied.
3. The police acted unlawfully: If police officers uncovered evidence in an unlawful search, your lawyer can file a motion with the court to suppress that evidence. If the police did not read a defendant’s Miranda rights, the defendant’s statements may also be suppressed.
4. You had no criminal intent: You sincerely believed the property was yours or that you had a legal right to it.
5. The state has insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Bring Your Robbery Case to Miranda Rights Law Firm

If the police take you into custody on a robbery charge, do not resist, but exercise your Miranda rights. You have the right to an experienced criminal defense attorney and the right to stay silent until that attorney is present.

If police officers ask questions, politely inform them that you aren’t answering questions until your lawyer is present, and then say no more. Los Angeles robbery lawyer Douglas Miranda will do the speaking and negotiating on your behalf.

Defense attorney Douglas Miranda has handled more than 10,000 criminal cases in Southern California, and he’s ready to handle yours. If you’re charged with robbery, call the law offices of Miranda Rights Law Firm at 213-255-5838 to schedule a free consultation and case review.