Loudoun County Robbery Lawyer

In Virginia, robbery is considered a crime against the person rather than a crime against property, and it is categorized accordingly under state law. Robbery is always a felony offense in Loudoun County, which, upon conviction, could be punishable by lengthy prison terms that generally have mandatory minimum sentences attached to them.

When facing accusations of robbery, defending yourself could be much easier with the guidance of a knowledgeable Loudoun County robbery lawyer. Regardless of your criminal history, legal and tactical support from a defense attorney who has successfully handled similar past cases could be vital to protecting your rights.

What Constitutes Robbery?

The criminal offense of robbery entails someone using or threatening to use physical force to take something of value from someone else. There are five specific criteria that must be met for a court to successful convict someone of a robbery offense:

• The defendant gained possession of an item of value and transported it some distance away with the intent to permanently retain it and deny its owner of enjoying its benefits
• The person targeted by the defendant lawfully possessed—and not necessarily personally owned—the item in question
• The defendant took the item in question directly off the person of whoever lawfully possessed it
• The item was taken against the lawful possessor’s will—in other words, without consent being given free of any direct or implicit threat
• The defendant used physical or violent force with the intent of harming the item’s lawful possessor

The defendant cannot be convicted for an alleged act of robbery if all of the above conditions are not met. A Loudoun County robbery attorney could provide crucial assistance collecting and presenting evidence that proves a defendant did not meet all the criteria for robbery.

Criminal Sanctions for Different Forms of Robbery

Code of Virginia §18.2-58 defines four different types of robbery, each of which is punishable by various levels of criminal sanctions and all of which are felonies. The least severe variant of this offense is robbery committed through threats, intimidation, or any other means without a deadly weapon being involved. It is a Class 6 felony punishable by one to five years’ imprisonment, plus a $10,000 maximum fine.

Robbery committed through the use of physical force is a Class 5 felony carrying a maximum 10-year prison term—but only if it does not result in serious bodily injury or involves the threatening use or display of a deadly non-firearm weapon. If a person commits robbery by using or displaying a firearm in a threatening way, the offense becomes a Class 3 felony punishable by between five- and 20-years’ imprisonment, plus a maximum $100,000 fine.

An act of robbery that directly results in any person sustaining serious or fatal injuries is a Class 2 felony, so a conviction could potentially result in a life sentence. A robbery lawyer in Loudoun County could play a key role in mitigating the severity of sanctions a defendant might face.

Consider Working With a Loudoun County Robbery Attorney

Robbery is considered a violent felony offense in Virginia, so even a first-time conviction could permanently alter your life’s course. Protecting your best interests when facing charges of this nature is not something you should try to handle by yourself—and fortunately, if you contact legal counsel quickly after being arrested or learning of an investigation, you will not have to.

A dedicated Loudoun County robbery lawyer could be your steadfast ally throughout your case. Call Karin Riley Porter today to learn more.