Tarrant County Robbery Lawyer

Because the definition of robbery in the State of Texas requires that the alleged perpetrator “(1) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death”, all robberies in the state are considered crimes of violence. As a result, anyone who allegedly commits a robbery in Tarrant County is likely to face significant punishment.

Texas courts have a well-earned reputation for being tough on crime, especially if the alleged crime involves any sort of violence. That is why you should contact a Tarrant County robbery lawyer if you are facing robbery charges or if you believe you may be a suspect in a robbery case. A skilled criminal attorney could ensure that your legal rights are fully protected and, if necessary, that you receive a fair and expeditious trial.

Simple Robberies and Aggravated Robberies

In Texas, robberies are classified as either simple or aggravated under Texas Penal Code §§29.02 and 29.03. Per the applicable statute, simple robberies involve the forceful theft of someone else’s property without the use of any sort of weapon, and aggravated robberies involve the forceful theft of someone else’s property via the exhibition and/or use of a deadly weapon.

As a Tarrant County robbery lawyer could explain, the penalties are quite different for simple robberies versus aggravated ones. Whereas a simple robbery charge is a second-degree felony which may result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years and/or a fine up to $10,000, a first-degree felony charge of aggravated robbery can result in a prison sentence of five to 99 years and/or a fine up to $10,000. In both cases, however, the actual sentence may depend on specific details of the individual offense, including whether the alleged perpetrator has a prior criminal record.

Strategies and Robbery Defenses

The most important thing anyone can do if they are questioned about their possible involvement in a robbery is to refrain from saying anything until they can consult with a Tarrant County robbery attorney. Without the help of legal counsel, defendants may accidentally implicate themselves or undercut defenses that might otherwise be raised on their behalf.

Depending on the facts and circumstances regarding the alleged act, anyone who is accused of robbery may be able to raise one or more counterarguments in their own defense. For example, given the level of stress involved in a robbery, it is not unusual for the victim to misidentify the person who actually committed the crime, which could result in the wrong person being charged with a crime.

Disproving Intent as a Defense

The crime of robbery requires that the alleged perpetrator specifically intended to commit the crime. Therefore, if the alleged perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time that the alleged robbery occurred, they may not have been able to form the specific intent that this crime requires. In the same vein, a person may sometimes do something they would not otherwise do because they were threatened with bodily harm or death by someone else.

Finally, if an allegation leads to an actual trial, a Tarrant County robbery lawyer may be able to persuade at least one member of the jury that the prosecution did not meet its legal obligation to prove that the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Consulting a Tarrant County Robbery Attorney

If you were charged with robbery or have reason to believe that such charges may be alleged against you soon, you should consult with a Tarrant County robbery lawyer who is experienced in dealing with this type of case. With a dedicated local attorney by your side, you could rest assured that your case—and your own best interests—are in capable hands. Call today to set up your initial consultation.