Fort Lauderdale Robbery Lawyer
Robbery charges in Fort Lauderdale are taken very seriously. According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, a robbery occurs every 24 minutes in the Sunshine State. As such, law enforcement and the state prosecution aggressively pursue these charges. However, robbery is still a largely misunderstood criminal offense in the state. If you have been charged, a Fort Lauderdale robbery lawyer can explain how the law applies to the circumstances of your case.
Robbery in Fort Lauderdale Defined
The Florida Statutes define robbery as taking money or property from the custody of someone else with the intention to temporarily or permanently deprive them of the property. Robbery is different from other theft crimes because the prosecution must also show that the defendant used force or violence during the commission of the crime, or that they threatened to use force or violence.
Types of Robbery in Fort Lauderdale
Robbery encompasses more than just one criminal offense. The types of robbery charges a person may face include:
- Robbery by sudden snatching: The offense of robbery by sudden snatching involves taking money or property from another person with the intent to deprive them of the property. The unique factor with this charge is that the victim must have been aware, or became aware, of the stealing of the property during the commission of the crime.
- Robbery with a deadly weapon: To be charged with robbery with a deadly weapon, the defendant must have been armed, or became armed, with a deadly weapon such as a baseball bat or a knife.
- Robbery with a firearm: Not only is robbery considered a more serious offense when a firearm is used, but if the weapon is discharged during the crime, the penalty will increase.
- Home invasion robbery: Entering another person’s dwelling to commit robbery is an extremely serious offense that is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, or life in prison when a weapon is used.
The minimum penalty for robbery in Fort Lauderdale is up to five years in prison, and that applies when a person is convicted of robbery by sudden snatching.
Defenses to Robbery in Fort Lauderdale
Many common defenses apply to robbery charges, such as illegal search and seizure. However, the crime of robbery has unique defenses available, as well. If the accused reasonably believed that they were the rightful owner of the property, that could serve as a defense.
In cases in which a weapon was used, afterthought can also be used as a defense. For example, if someone used a weapon and then, as they were about to leave the scene they took something, this could result in the robbery charges being dropped or reduced.
A Fort Lauderdale Robbery Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
If you have been charged with robbery, I am Kevin J. Kulik, a Fort Lauderdale robbery lawyer that can defend against your charges. Call me today at 954-761-9411 or fill out our online form to schedule a free confidential consultation.
