Are you or your loved one facing robbery charges in West Chester, PA? If so, a West Chester robbery attorney at DiCindio Law, LLC can help.
Our lawyers will fight to keep you out of jail and get your charges reduced or dismissed. There’s nothing more important than your freedom. Choosing the right lawyer can mean the difference between sitting in jail and going free.
If you’re interested in learning more about our firm, contact us at (610) 430-3535 to set up a free case evaluation today.
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How DiCindio Law, LLC Can Help If You Are Arrested For Robbery In West Chester, PA
Since 2014, DiCindio Law, LLC has helped people charged with robbery in West Chester, PA.
Michael DiCindio is a former Chester County prosecutor. He understands the prosecutor’s strategy and how to keep you out of trouble. He was named Top 10 Under 40 by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and rated 10 Best for Client Satisfaction by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
When you hire DiCindio Law, LLC to represent you, we will:
- Advise you of your rights
- Explain your charges
- Craft a defense
- Investigate the case and collect evidence
- File evidentiary motions
- Negotiate with the prosecutor
- Fight for you at trial
Robbery charges are serious and you need a serious West Chester robbery attorney to handle them. Call our office to set up a time to learn more about how we can help.
Definition Of Robbery
Robbery is a category of theft crime. However, it is one of the most serious types of theft crimes.
In order to prove robbery, the prosecutor must show that while committing a theft the defendant:
- Inflicted serious bodily injury onto another
- Threatened another with immediate serious bodily injury
- Committed or threatened to commit another felony in the first or second degree
- Inflicted, or threatened to inflict, bodily injury onto another
- Took property from another’s person with force
- Took money without permission from a financial institution (like a bank)
During “the course of committing a theft” means it happened while committing or attempting to commit a theft, or while fleeing the scene afterward. “Serious bodily injury” means an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes permanent disfigurement or disability.
Robbery can be charged as a first, second, or third-degree felony depending on the circumstances. How your robbery is charged can greatly impact the outcome of your case.
What Are The Penalties For Robbery In West Chester, PA?
If you are convicted of robbery, there will be severe consequences. Robbery is considered a violent crime because of the use of force, or threat of force, against another person during a theft.
You will likely face prison time and other collateral consequences that come with having a felony conviction on your record. Collateral consequences may include difficulty finding work, stable housing, and losing the right to vote. The conviction will stay on your record and cannot be expunged.
The amount of jail time at stake will depend on the way that the robbery is charged. First-degree robbery carries up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Second-degree robbery carries up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. Third-degree robbery carries up to 7 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The amount of prison time that you receive will likely depend on your criminal record and the facts of the case.
Defenses To Robbery Charges
The prosecution has the burden to prove each element of robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. If they do not meet this burden, then you cannot be convicted of robbery. This means that your defense attorney’s job is to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and make sure that they don’t meet their burden.
Some of the most common defenses to robbery charges are:
- Mistaken identity (if you have an alibi)
- Lack of intent or attempt to commit a theft
- Lack of force or threatened force
- Self-defense
- Ownership of the property
Your lawyer will look at all of the evidence and identify the best defense in your case. Sometimes there may be a defense to part of the charges, but not all. For example, if you admit that you committed a theft, but that it wasn’t by force, then you might still be convicted of a theft charge but not robbery.
Set Up A Free Consultation With A West Chester Robbery Attorney
If you are charged with robbery in West Chester, you should speak with a West Chester robbery attorney as soon as possible. Delaying hiring a lawyer will only hurt your case. These charges are serious and can result in significant prison sentences. You should take your defense seriously and get started on it today.
DiCindio Law, LLC is available for a free consultation. We know the stakes are high and will give your case the attention and dedication that it deserves.