Robbery Defense Lawyer in Washington: Protecting Your Rights Against Serious Charges

Robbery is one of the more serious crimes you can be charged with in Washington State. It is different than theft. In theft there has to be criminal intent to take and carry away the property of another but in a robbery there is always an element of force or the fear of force used upon another in acquiring the property. Because robberies involve the threat or use of physical force or violence they are considered “violent” crimes and considered quite serious by prosecutors, judges and sentence and penalty advisers, and can entail long terms of incarceration in addition to other substantial penalties and collateral consequences.

Robbery Defense If you have been accused of robbery, it is essential to have effective defense counsel on your side. At Mcaleer Law, our goal in representing persons charged with robbery in Washington is to vigorously defend your rights and to secure the best possible defense to the charges you face.

What Is Robbery Under Washington Law?

Robbery is a crime in which someone forcibly or by intimidation takes the property of another. The key factor that distinguishes robbery from theft is that the crime is committed against individuals face to face.

Robbery cases often involve allegations such as:

  • Taking money or property using threats
  • Physical force used during a theft
  • Attempting to intimidate someone into giving up property
  • Using a weapon during the offense

Cases are often built on witness statements and evidence that has been gathered during the investigation.

Types of Robbery Charges in Washington

Washington robbery law defines robbery and the various degrees that can be applied to a given crime.

First-Degree Robbery

First-degree robbery is the most serious level of robbery. It can include:

  • Use of a deadly weapon
  • Inflicting serious bodily injury
  • Displaying what appears to be a firearm or weapon
  • Committing robbery during another serious crime

A first-degree robbery conviction can result in many years in prison and a host of other penalties.

Second-Degree Robbery

Second degree robbery is theft by force or by threats. The distinction with first degree robbery is that second degree robbery does not necessarily meet the more stringent set of criteria. It is still considered a felony however and it can have considerable penalties.

Potential Penalties for Robbery Convictions

Robbery is a serious crime under the Washington criminal code. Robbery convictions can carry substantial penalties, which we set out below. Talk to a local criminal defense attorney to learn more about the specific penalties you could be looking at given the facts and the degree of the crime with which you have been charged. Degrees of Robbery in Washington Like other crimes in Washington, robbery can be charged in several different degrees with increasingly harsh penalties.

  • Significant prison sentences
  • Heavy fines
  • Probation or community supervision
  • Permanent criminal record
  • Loss of firearm rights
  • Difficulty securing employment or housing

Robbery is a type of violent crime. Therefore, the penalties can be quite steep.

Possible Defenses to Robbery Charges

All Robbery cases are fact specific and an attorney must perform a detailed examination of the State’s evidence in order to best defend the case. Possibilities for an effective defense are numerous and may include:

Lack of Evidence

Prosecutors must prove every element of the crime charged in the indictment beyond a reasonable doubt. It’s also possible for weak evidence or problematic witness testimony to lead to more favorable offers and even dismissal of some or all of the charges.

Mistaken Identity

Robbery cases often occur in stressful circumstances and eyewitness identifications are frequently called into question. Understanding the identification process and procedures that are employed during an investigation can be very helpful to a defendant’s case.

Lack of Intent

It must be proven that the property was taken from the victim without their consent and that the property was taken with force or intimidation. The fact that the crime can not be proven for lack of intent does not in and of itself, negate the charge.

Violation of Constitutional Rights

If a law enforcement officer violated a constitutional right during an arrest, interrogation or search and seizure, the defendant may attempt to get the illegally obtained evidence suppressed or thrown out of trial.

Arrests in robbery cases frequently occur as a result of a police investigation that occurs before formal arrest and charging papers are issued. We strongly advise retaining an attorney as early as possible in the process in order to assist you in preserving important evidence and assisting you in making informed decisions regarding your case.

A defense lawyer may help by:

  • Communicating with investigators on your behalf
  • Reviewing police reports and evidence
  • Protecting you during questioning
  • Developing a defense strategy before court proceedings begin
  • The sooner you take action in your case the better.

Get Experienced Robbery Defense Representation

Robbery is a very serious offence and is carrying with it a whole host of penalties that can have a detrimental impact on a persons lifestyle. Facing these type of charges can be very daunting and frightening and people may feel alone in having to cope with the various consequences. However with the right legal advice and effective legal representation these charges and the corresponding penalties can be managed and the individual can be properly advised of the full range of options that are available and their legal rights protected.

If you have been charged with robbery in Washington State, a thorough defense from a skilled Washington State robbery attorney is crucial to your case. At Mcaleer Law, our defense team has a proven track record of protecting the rights of individuals and businesses involved in potentially unlawful or suspicious transactions and have the knowledge and expertise to effectively navigate the judicial system and fight your robbery charge.

Learn more or request legal assistance at
https://mcaleerlaw.net/