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Virginia Robbery Lawyer

Aside from petit and grand larceny, individuals in Virginia may also potentially be charged with burglary and robbery, among other crimes.

Robbery is a special classification of theft that involves the stealing of property in combination with force or threat of force. Carjacking is a similar offense that specifically involves a motor vehicle. Penalties upon conviction are severe, with a possible life sentence at stake.

If you have been charged with robbery or carjacking, contact a qualified Virginia theft lawyer to learn more about the charges you are facing and to begin crafting a solid defense strategy against the charges.

Robbery Offenses in Virginia

Robbery is a serious criminal offense in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A slightly more serious charge than larceny, robbery is characterized by the use of force or threat of force in the commission of a theft crime. Virginia Code Section 18.2-58 defines the crime of robbery, which is classified as a felony offense.

The commission of robbery using “partial strangulation, suffocation, by striking or beating, by other violence to the person, by assault or otherwise putting a person in fear of serious bodily harm, by the threat or presenting of firearms, or other deadly weapon or instrumentality whatsoever” is a serious offense in Virginia and is aggressively prosecuted.

Felony robbery is punishable by five years to life in a state correctional facility. Such a long jail sentence is sure to have a negative impact on your personal and professional life. Not only would your relationships with friends and family members become strained, but you would likely also endure financial hardship due to the payment of fines and potential job loss. A felony conviction has the added consequence of prohibiting you from taking advantage of certain constitutional rights. Those who are found guilty of felony offenses are unable to own firearms or vote, for example.

Carjacking

Carjacking is a very specific type of robbery that involves stealing or taking control of a vehicle by force or threat of force.

Carjacking is a heavily prosecuted felony, with sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison. With such devastating consequences in the balance, those charged with carjacking require exceptional defense by an experienced lawyer.

Attempted Robbery Offenses

Attempting various theft-related offenses is also illegal and carry equally serious penalties despite the fact that the alleged crime was only attempted, and therefore, not successful. Attempted robbery and attempted carjacking are both Class 4 felony charges. Anyone convicted of a Class 4 felony faces the possibility of :

  • Two to 10 years in prison
  • A fine of up to $100,000

Possible Defenses Against Robbery Charges

Just because you are charged with a robbery or carjacking offense does not mean that all hope is lost. There are numerous ways in which you may be able to mitigate the potential negative impact of a conviction or possibly even avoid a conviction altogether. For example, misidentification is a possible defense in robbery cases, as are intoxication and/or duress.

Contact a Virginia Robbery Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with robbery, carjacking, or attempted robbery or carjacking, it is important to consult with an experienced Virginia robbery lawyer to learn more about the charges and possible penalties you are facing. A Virginia criminal defense attorney will work diligently to find a successful strategy for your case.

From negotiating a plea agreement to vigorously disputing the evidence against you should your case go to trial, your lawyer will work to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the judicial process and will fight for the optimum outcome to your case.

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