Consequences of Virginia Armed Robbery

Armed robbery is a serious offense that consists of the taking of somebody else’s property by violence or intimidation. The consequences of Virginia armed robbery can be severe, especially for those with prior convictions. If you or someone you know was charged with armed robbery, it may be imperative that you seek legal guidance from a skilled and driven criminal attorney.

Necessary Evidence

A person who is suspected of committing a robbery using a deadly weapon could be charged in two main ways. First, a person could be charged with regular robbery, because the statute includes situations in which the defendant used the threat of a weapon. However, defendants could also be charged with two separate crimes. A separate Virginia statute describes the crime of using or displaying a firearm in the commission of a felony, so a person could potentially be charged with both.

For example, if a person is charged with both robbery and use or display of a firearm in the commission of a felony, they are charged with the two separate crimes which require two separate sets of facts.

Consequences of Armed Robbery

Robbery is a felony offense that can carry serious long-term consequences in addition to the legal penalties. The exact penalties depend on whether the individual is charged with a single count of robbery or faces multiple charges.

Under Virginia law, robbery alone is punishable by five years to life in prison. The five years are not a mandatory minimum. If a person is charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, they could face a mandatory minimum sentence of three years incarceration. When firearms are involved, the punishments tend to be more severe, and prosecutors may be less willing to negotiate.

In addition to the legal penalties, a conviction for armed robbery can have a serious impact on someone’s life. For example, a felony conviction can affect someone’s right to vote or own firearms. In addition, convicted felons may have difficulty finding employment or housing well after they have served their time.

Hiring an Armed Robbery Attorney

Due to the severity of the consequences of Virginia armed robbery charges, one should not risk handling these charges without qualified legal representation. Individuals charged with armed robbery should look for an attorney who has careful attention to detail, significant experience with similar cases, and is willing to fight tirelessly for an excellent outcome.

If you were charged with armed robbery, consider contacting an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. A qualified defense attorney could carefully analyze the facts of a case and scrutinize all of the evidence against you. If the prosecution’s case is weak, an attorney could negotiate for lesser charges or even avoid a trial altogether, in some cases. For help crafting a strong defense to your armed robbery charges, reach out to a dedicated criminal defense attorney today.