ROBBERY DEFENSE
AREAS DE PRÁCTICA
NORTH LOUISIANA ROBBERY LAWYER
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney for Robbery Charges in Shreveport-Bossier City, LA
When facing robbery charges in Louisiana, seeking prompt legal help from local criminal defense lawyers can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. As an experienced Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana robbery lawyer, Michael J. Vergis provides the guidance you need when dealing with criminal charges threatening your freedom.
A robbery accusation is no small matter, as you may be dealing with felony charges, long-term prison time, and a permanent criminal record. If you or someone you care about faces these serious charges, you deserve a skilled attorney who understands how to defend your legal rights. Fortunately, Abogado penalista de Shreveport Michael J. Vergis brings years of experience and vast legal knowledge to every robbery case he handles.
Keep in mind, the earlier you secure representation, the better positioned your defense attorney will be to identify possible defenses and legal strategies. From misdemeanor theft charges to more severe violent crimes like first-degree robbery or armed robbery, La oficina legal de Michael J. Vergis is prepared to defend you. Call (318) 698-3724 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation today.
What is Considered Robbery in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, robbery is distinct from other theft-related offenses because it involves direct confrontation with the victim. Unlike general theft, which occurs when someone takes another person’s property without their consent and often without their awareness, robbery requires the use of force, intimidation, o la threat of harm to take something of value. This immediate threat or perception of danger is what sets robbery apart from non-violent theft charges or white-collar crimes.
Robbery can occur in any location, whether on the street, inside a home, or within another structure. Because it involves an act of violence or intimidation, it is classified as a serious criminal offense under Louisiana law. Convictions can lead to prison time, fines, or community service, depending on the severity of the crime. The legal consequences often hinge on factors such as the level of force used, whether weapons were involved, and the extent of harm or fear inflicted on the victim.
Types of Robbery Charges in Louisiana
Louisiana recognizes multiple types of robbery offenses, ranging from simple robbery to armed robbery and first or second-degree robbery. Each charge reflects the circumstances of the crime, including whether the victim suffered injury, whether the offender used a dangerous weapon, or even whether the victim believed a weapon was present. Determining which charge applies depends on the prosecutor’s assessment of the evidence and how they classify the defendant’s actions.
What is Simple Robbery in Louisiana?
Según la ley de Luisiana, RS 14:65 defines simple robbery as taking something of value from another person by force or intimidation sin using a dangerous weapon. For example, simple robbery may arise from confrontational theft scenarios where threats are made, but no weapon is employed.
While simple robbery is considered a lower-level robbery offense compared to armed robbery, it remains a serious matter that can lead to significant penalties.
Is Simple Robbery a Felony?
Yes, simple robbery is a felony in Louisiana. Even though it does not involve the use of an actual dangerous weapon, it still qualifies as a violent offense. A felony conviction can have lasting consequences, including a damaged criminal record, potential prison sentence, and long-term impact on your future employment opportunities and personal life, making it crucial to equip the help of an experienced Louisiana felony defense lawyer like Michael Vergis as soon as possible.
What is First Degree Robbery in Louisiana?
Por debajo RS 14:64.1, first-degree robbery occurs when an offender leads a victim to reasonably believe they are armed with a dangerous weapon, even if the offender is not actually carrying one. This intimidation can turn what might otherwise be a simple robbery into a first-degree robbery charge. The psychological force exerted on the victim, creating fear of injury or harm, can cause prosecutors to seek harsher penalties in court.
What is Second Degree Robbery in Louisiana?
De acuerdo a RS 14:64.4, a defendant may be charged with second-degree robbery if they take something valuable from another person under one of these conditions:
- Causing Serious Harm: A person steals something from someone else and, while doing it, purposely causes the victim a serious physical/bodily injury.
- Group Theft from a Store: A group of four or more people works together to steal something from a store. They do this in a way that aims to:
- Stop employees, store owners, or the police from reacting in time.
- Hide what they are doing or avoid getting caught.
- Make a reasonable person too afraid to step in and try to stop the theft.
What is Armed Robbery in Louisiana?
R.S. 14:64 defines armed robbery as taking another person’s property through force or intimidation while armed with a dangerous weapon of any kind. R.S. 14:64.3 adds an additional five years of hard labor to the prison sentence when a person uses a firearm, served consecutively and without parole, probation, or a suspended sentence.
Even the presence of a weapon, whether used or not, can prompt judges to impose significantly harsher punishments.
What are the Penalties for Robbery in Louisiana?
Louisiana treats robbery as a severe crime with equally severe penalties. Possible penalties depend on the type of robbery committed—be it simple robbery, first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, or armed robbery.
Offenders may face years of prison time, be ordered to pay fines, and potentially have sentence suspension restrictions. What’s more, a robbery conviction can bring lifelong consequences such as a permanent criminal record, limiting a person’s future opportunities.
How Many Years Does Armed Robbery Carry?
The exact prison sentence will depend on the circumstances surrounding the crime, but it is common for armed robbery convictions to result in many years spent behind bars.
More specifically, Louisiana law states that those who are convicted of armed robbery must go to prison and perform hard labor for at least 10 years and may remain there for up to 99 years. During this time, you cannot get out early on parole, probation, or have your sentence reduced.
If you attempt armed robbery with a firearm, you face an extra 5 years in prison at hard labor, also without any chance for parole, probation, or a reduced sentence. This extra time is added on top of the initial punishment and must be served back-to-back.
First-Degree Robbery Penalties in Louisiana
In Louisiana, those convicted of first-degree robbery may face anywhere from 3 to 40 years in prison, with hard labor, and without the ability to obtain parole, probation, or a sentence suspension.
Second-Degree Robbery Penalties in Louisiana
Second-degree robbery can result in lengthy prison sentences as well. If you’re convicted of second-degree robbery in Louisiana, you face 3 to 40 years of hard labor in prison. If it’s your second offense within 10 years, that increases to 5 to 40 years. If a firearm was used, you must also serve an extra 5 years of hard labor, with no early release options, on top of your main sentence.
Simple Robbery Penalties in Louisiana
Even though no dangerous weapon is involved in a simple robbery, a conviction still brings severe consequences. In Louisiana, anyone convicted of simple robbery may face a fine of up to $3,000, up to 7 years in prison (with or without hard labor), or both.
Defenses Against Robbery Charges
Defending against robbery charges often requires a careful review of the prosecution’s case. A skilled lawyer like Michael J. Vergis may challenge whether the state possesses enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intentionally used force or intimidation. He may also investigate whether the accused’s identification was mistaken or if police procedures were handled improperly. When the prosecution fails to meet its burden, charges can sometimes be dismissed or reduced to lesser offenses.
In certain circumstances, criminal defense lawyers might argue that the defendant never intended to take property by force, or that the alleged victim misunderstood the defendant’s actions. There is also the possibility that procedural errors were made by law enforcement, giving your defense attorney the upper hand in achieving dismissed charges.
Of course, there are many different defenses that may apply depending on the situation, but in general, the best criminal defense attorneys know what it takes to weaken the state’s argument and help fight for a more favorable outcome, including reduced charges or even an acquittal at trial.
Why You Need an Experienced Shreveport, Louisiana Theft Crime Attorney
Facing robbery charges is a frightening experience, and the consequences are far-reaching. With so much at stake—your freedom, future, and reputation—it’s important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side from the get-go. Defending robbery cases differs from defending other forms of theft because of the element of force, intimidation, or use of a dangerous weapon. A skilled law firm recognizes how to address these factors directly in court, working to help you avoid a criminal conviction and reduce the possibility of prison time.
Michael J. Vergis, a skilled Shreveport violent crimes attorney, offers knowledgeable legal advice and aggressive criminal defense strategies for clients in Shreveport-Bossier City and throughout Northwest Louisiana. From purse snatching to armed robbery to other violent crimes, he and his team of criminal defense lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused, challenging the prosecution’s case, and fighting for the best possible outcome in every situation.
How Michael J. Vergis Can Help Fight Your Robbery Charges
When facing criminal charges for robbery, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and minimizing the risk of jail time. At The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis, we understand the urgency of these cases and work diligently to build a strong defense in a timely manner.
Abogado Michael J. Vergis applies a dedicated approach to every robbery case, ensuring that each client receives thorough and committed representation. With vast experience handling violent crime cases like these, he carefully reviews all aspects of the prosecution’s evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and law enforcement procedures, to ensure no detail is overlooked. By scrutinizing the evidence, he identifies potential weaknesses, such as errors made by law enforcement or uncertainties regarding the defendant’s involvement.
If negotiations are possible, Attorney Vergis works to reduce charges or secure a favorable plea agreement to lessen the severity of penalties. However, if the case proceeds to trial, he is prepared to provide a strong and strategic defense before a judge or jury, fighting for the best possible outcome.
With a law firm like ours dedicated to protecting your future, you can trust that your case will be handled with skill, determination, and urgency.
Call Shreveport Robbery Defense Lawyer Michael J. Vergis Today
If you are accused of robbery, burglary, theft, or any other violent felony charges, you need a criminal defense attorney who will move quickly on your behalf. Fortunately, you’ll find that and more with The Law Office of Michael J. Vergis. Phone calls to our law firm are answered promptly, and we offer a confidential consultation where you can discuss the details of your case. During your initial consultation, you can learn about your rights, your potential defense strategy, and what steps to take next. After all, proper legal guidance from the start gives you a better chance of protecting your freedom and future.
Do not let uncertainty or intimidation prevent you from seeking legal help. Our experienced theft charge defense lawyers are here to support you and advocate on your behalf. Simply call our law firm at (318) 698-3724 o contáctenos en línea to speak directly with skilled North Louisiana robbery lawyer Michael J. Vergis today.
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