Robbery
Strong Arm Robbery in Florida
The crime of Robbery, also referred to as Strong Arm Robbery, is committed when a person intentionally and unlawfully takes money or property from another person through the use of force, violence, assault, or threat. In Florida, Strong Arm Robbery comes in various variations, including:
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Robbery with a Deadly Weapon
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Robbery with a Firearm
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Robbery by Sudden Snatching
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Home Invasion Robbery
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Carjacking
It's important to note that robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery with a firearm, home invasion robbery and carjacking are considered very serious offenses in Florida and the consequences of an arrest and conviction can be grave. For example, if you or a loved one is arrested for Robbery with a Firearm in Miami-Dade County, chances are you will be held "no bond" until an Arthur Hearing is requested. And Robbery with a Firearm is an offense "punishable by life in prison."
What the State has to prove in Robbery cases...
To be found guilty of Strong Arm Robbery, the State Attorney has to prove the following 4 elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
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The defendant took the money or property described in charge from the alleged victim;
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Force, violence, assault, or putting in fear was used in the course of the taking (or the robbery);
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The property taken was of value;
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The defendant intended to permanently or to temporarily deprive the alleged victim of his or her right to the property.
Penalties for Robbery
Strong Arm Robbery (without any aggravator) is a Second Degree Felony and is punishable with up to 15 years in Florida state prison, up to 15 years of probation, and up to $10,000.00 in statutory fines.
Some viable defenses to Robbery
Under Florida law, mere presence at the scene of a crime, or mere knowledge that an offense is being committed, or even a display of questionable behavior after the commission of a crime is insufficient, by itself, to establish participation in the crime of Robbery. By way of example, I was recently hired to represent a young man who was on a late-night ride with some friends which, unbeknownst to him, had planned to hold up a Pizza Hut restaurant with a pellet gun. Two of his "friends" jumped out of the car he was the back seat passenger in. He never went in the store and never participated in the robbery or its' planning. After depositions, the State Attorney agreed and eventually nolle prossed (or dropped) the charges against him.
There is hope
If you or a loved one is arrested and charged with Robbery or Strong Arm Robbery in Miami or anywhere else in Florida, please call our 24-hour telephone number 305-461-1066 to set up an appointment and free consultation so we can assess your particular case and provide you with the best legal advice on how to proceed. Your meeting with me will be strictly confidential and subject to the attorney-client privilege.
I want to hear your side of the story.
Rick Hermida
State and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
55 Merrick Way ~ Suite 212
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305-461-1116 (Office)
305-461-1066 (24 Hours)
We are solely a Criminal Defense Law Firm. That's all we do and all we have done in Miami and throughout Florida since 1987.