Goldsboro Robbery Lawyer
Aggressive Defense Against Robbery Charges in North Carolina
Strickland Agner Pittman is a law firm founded on justice for the defendant. We firmly believe in protecting your rights and your future in the face of harsh or wrongful accusations. Robbery is a serious felony in North Carolina that could result in years in prison, among other penalties. We are here to defend you against these charges and build a strong case for mitigated charges, if not a complete dismissal. We will treat you with respect and build a formidable defense to assert your rights; you can count on Strickland Agner Pittman to defend you rigorously.
Call Strickland Agner Pittman today at (919) 893-0090 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our robbery attorney in Goldsboro!
What is Robbery?
Robbery is a crime of theft that is committed in the presence of the alleged victim and is charged more seriously as a felony. Robbery is generally defined by North Carolina courts as the taking of someone’s personal property from their person or in their presence through the use of violence, intimidation, or threat of force. North Carolina laws classify several types of robbery, including:
- Robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons: Unlawfully taking or attempting to take personal property from another person, a business, or home while there are people present while simultaneously possessing, using, or threatening to use a dangerous weapon.
- Train robbery: Showing or discharging a gun in or near a locomotive engine or car to compel someone to give up something of value.
- Robbery by common law: All other types of general robbery.
The distinction between theft and robbery is that theft crimes do not require the alleged victim to be present during the crime, and robbery crimes do require the alleged victim to be present. The distinction between robbery and burglary, another type of theft crime, is that burglary typically involves unlawfully breaking and entering a building in order to commit the crime of theft. Crimes of burglary also do not require the element of force, while crimes of robbery do.
What are the Penalties for Robbery in North Carolina?
Robbery is a felony punishable based on the specific circumstances of the offense. Robbery with a firearm or other dangerous weapon and train robbery are both Class D felonies punishable by 38-160 months in prison, as well as six points added to the defendant’s criminal record.
Common-law robbery is usually a Class G felony punishable by 8-31 months in prison, as well as four points on the defendant’s criminal record.
North Carolina courts have the discretion to order the following types of punishment, which may or may not require prison time, based on the circumstances of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history:
- Active punishment: Requires a prison sentence.
- Intermediate punishment: Requires supervised probation, such as serving time under house arrest.
- Community punishment: Does not require any imprisonment or special probation and may instead call for drug treatment or community service.
Defenses Against Robbery Charges
Building a solid defense against robbery charges requires a thorough understanding of the law and the case's specific details. Several potential defenses can be employed, including:
- Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that there was no intention to commit robbery.
- Mistaken Identity: Arguing that the defendant did not commit the robbery.
- Alibi: Providing evidence that the defendant was elsewhere when the robbery occurred.
- Insufficient Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence to create reasonable doubt.
- Coercion or Duress: Proving that the defendant was forced to commit the robbery under threat of harm.
- Violation of Rights: Identifying violations of the defendant's constitutional rights during the investigation or arrest.
Contact Our Goldsboro Robbery Attorney Today
Robbery charges require immediate and expert legal intervention. Strickland Agner Pittman is dedicated to offering comprehensive and strategic defense for those accused of robbery in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Understanding the nature of your charges, the potential penalties, and the available defenses can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If you or a loved one is facing robbery charges, seeking professional legal assistance promptly is crucial to protecting your rights and future.
Contact Strickland Agner Pittman today to schedule a meeting with our robbery lawyer in Goldsboro!