Robbery and armed robbery are among the most serious criminal charges you can face, carrying severe penalties and life-altering consequences.
If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery in Ventura County, it’s essential to have a dedicated and experienced defense attorney on your side. Convictions can result in years of imprisonment and substantial fines, especially when weapons or prior felony convictions are involved.
You need an attorney who understands the stakes and knows how to protect your future. Call Ventura robbery defense lawyer Robert M. Helfend today for your free case evaluation – 805-273-5611.
Robbery and armed robbery defense lawyer in Ventura
If you or a loved one is facing robbery or armed robbery charges in Ventura County, it’s crucial to understand the legal distinctions and potential penalties associated with these serious offenses. While a robbery conviction can result in three to nine years in prison, armed robbery carries even harsher sentences.
Under California’s Three Strikes Law, previous felony convictions can double your sentence, making it all the more critical to secure skilled legal representation.
Robbery and armed robbery cases in Ventura County are aggressively prosecuted, and the consequences can be life-changing. Having an experienced defense lawyer is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
What is robbery?
Robbery, as defined by California Penal Code Section 211, is the act of taking personal property from another person through violence or threats and against their will. Unlike other theft crimes, robbery requires direct confrontation between the victim and the perpetrator, often involving physical force or the threat of harm.
To convict someone of robbery, the prosecution must prove the following elements:
- The defendant took property that did not belong to them.
- The property was taken from another person, in their immediate presence.
- The taking was accomplished through violence or by instilling fear.
- The defendant had the intent to permanently deprive the victim of their property.
Robbery is categorized into two degrees in California:
- First-Degree Robbery – This occurs in specific situations, such as inside a residence, on public transportation, or immediately following an ATM withdrawal. The penalties range from 3 to 9 years in state prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both.
- Second-Degree Robbery – This applies to all other robbery scenarios and carries penalties of 2 to 5 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000, or both.
In certain cases, enhanced penalties may apply, such as an additional 6 years in prison if the victim is physically injured during the robbery.
What is armed robbery?
Armed robbery is a more serious offense that involves the use of a firearm during the commission of the crime. California’s “enhancement” laws impose severe additional penalties for the use of a weapon. Under the state’s “10-20-Life” law, the following enhancements apply:
- 10 additional years if a firearm is used.
- 20 additional years if the firearm is discharged.
- 25 years to life if someone is seriously injured or killed.
These enhancements are added to the base sentence for robbery, which can dramatically increase the time spent in prison.
California’s Three Strikes Law
California’s Three Strikes Law is designed to impose increasingly severe penalties on repeat offenders. For robbery or armed robbery charges, prior convictions can lead to doubled sentences or even life imprisonment.
A “strike” refers to a prior conviction for serious or violent felonies, including robbery, murder, and assault with a deadly weapon. If you are convicted of a second felony after a prior strike, your sentence is automatically doubled. For a third strike, you face a mandatory sentence of 25 years to life.
Both robbery and armed robbery are classified as serious felonies in California, meaning a conviction will count as a strike on your record. For example, a second-strike conviction for robbery could result in 4 to 10 years in prison instead of the typical 2 to 5 years. A third strike for robbery could lead to 25 years to life, regardless of the severity of the current charge.
Additionally, under California’s “10-20-Life” law, using or discharging a firearm during a robbery can result in enhanced penalties, which, when combined with the Three Strikes Law, can lead to overwhelming sentences.
Why choose Robert M. Helfend?
Facing robbery charges is a serious matter, especially when prior convictions or the use of a firearm are involved. Keeping your record clean is critical in California, where the consequences of a felony conviction can be devastating.
Robert M. Helfend has over 40 years of experience defending clients against robbery and armed robbery charges in both state and federal courts. With his deep knowledge of the legal system and a relentless commitment to his clients, he fights to get charges reduced, avoid strikes, and secure the best possible outcomes. Whether it’s your first arrest or you’re facing a third strike, Robert M. Helfend is ready to protect your rights and your future.
Contact Robert M. Helfend today at 805-273-5611 for a free consultation and start building your defense.
Published December 6, 2013. Updated September 28, 2024.