DC Armed Robbery Lawyer

Armed robbery is a serious felony offense where a person uses force or violence and is also armed with a firearm or a dangerous weapon when taking property away from the immediate possession of another person.

It is important to contact a DC armed robbery lawyer immediately if faced with charges for theft with a weapon. Depending on a person’s prior criminal history, the penalties they could be facing could be more than 30 years in prison. It is important to have a credible robbery attorney by your side during this time.

How Armed Robbery Charges Become Aggravated

For a robbery to be elevated to the more serious crime of armed robbery, the person must have been armed or had readily available any firearm, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous weapon during the robbery. Dangerous weapons can include shotguns, knives, razors, rifles, or brass knuckles.

Impact of a Prior Conviction

If a person has a prior conviction of a violent or dangerous crime, they could face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in addition to the penalty imposed for the armed robbery.

If a person has a prior conviction for an offense that was committed while armed, they face a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years in addition to the penalty imposed for the armed robbery.

Another aggravating factor is when a person commits an armed robbery against someone who is 60 years old or older. As a DC armed robbery lawyer has seen, that person may face a fine and a prison term that is one and a half times the maximum fine or prison term that is otherwise authorized.

What Elements of Armed Robbery Must the Prosecution Prove?

The government is required to prove several elements before a person can be convicted of armed robbery. The government must prove that the person using force or violence took property from the immediate possession of another person and against that person’s will.

The government must also prove that the person carried the property away with the intent to steal it. There must be proof the property had some value and also prove that while committing the robbery, the person was purposefully armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon.

What are the Penalties for Armed Robbery in DC?

In addition to the potential penalties for robbery, which are anywhere from two years in prison to 15 years in prison and a $37,500 fine. If a person is armed during the robbery; they could also face an additional period of imprisonment of up to 30 years.

Evidence Used in an Armed Theft Case

Evidence of the alleged firearm or dangerous weapon is extremely important. Any evidence indicating that the person was unaware or not purposefully in possession of the weapon is helpful in crafting a defense.

Any evidence tending to show that the person did not use any force or violence in obtaining the property could help a DC armed robbery lawyer in their defense.