Dallas Robbery Lawyer | Aggravated Robbery Defense
Facing a robbery charge in Dallas or the surrounding area? Your next call needs to be to a skilled and seasoned Dallas robbery lawyer. Robbery is considered a violent offense, even though no one has to sustain an injury to be charged with robbery. Prosecutors take these cases very seriously, and you will need an experienced, aggressive attorney in your corner for the best chance at success.
How is robbery defined in Texas?
According to Texas Penal Code 29.02, a person commits robbery if, during the course of committing theft, and with intent to obtain or maintain control of the property, he or she:
- intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
- Intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.
In layman’s terms, robbery is committing a theft by using physical force or fear. While robbery is considered a violent offense, the victim doesn’t have to sustain an actual injury for someone to be charged with robbery. For example, threatening to shoot up a convenience store if the clerk doesn’t open the cash register would be robbery.
Defending Robbery in Texas
The senior attorneys at Varghese Summersett have extensive experience handling robbery cases, first as prosecutors and now as highly-regarded top defense attorneys. We will bring all of our expertise to bear in finding the best defense strategy for you.
In this article, we will explain robbery laws in Texas, punishment ranges, possible defenses, and potential collateral consequences. But first, please watch this short video from Christy Jack, a nationally-recognized trial attorney who explains what you should do if you are accused of a violent offense.
How is aggravated robbery defined in Texas?
According to Texas Penal Code 29.03, a person commits aggravated robbery if, during the course of committing a robbery as defined above, he or she:
- Causes serious bodily injury to another;
- Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or
- Causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death, or if the other person is either disabled or 65 years old or older.
In layman’s terms, robbery becomes aggravated robbery when a person uses or exhibits a deadly weapon. It’s not necessary that the deadly weapon actually causes an injury. Merely displaying a weapon is sufficient to be charged with aggravated robbery. For example, brandishing a handgun while ordering a woman to hand over her purse would be aggravated robbery.
What is the punishment for robbery and aggravated robbery in Dallas?
Robbery and aggravated robbery are both felonies in Texas. Robbery is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony punishable by 5 years to up to life in prison and a maximum $10,000 fine.
What are the collateral consequences of robbery in Dallas?
The stakes are very high if you have been convicted of robbery. In addition to jail time and steep fines, you could lose your job, your marriage, your children, as well as the right to vote, carry a firearm or work in certain industries. That’s why it’s crucial to retain an experienced Dallas robbery lawyer to build a solid defense.
What are possible defenses for Dallas robbery charges?
A Dallas robbery lawyer at Varghese Summersett will evaluate all of the evidence, as well as the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, in determining the best defense strategies for your situation. Obviously, a best-case scenario would be a dismissal or acquittal. Another strategy could include an attempt to reduce your charges – from aggravated robbery to robbery, or from robbery to theft. A reduction in charges could mean the difference between a first-degree felony and a second degree felony, for example.
To accomplish a dismissal, acquittal or reduction in charges, our experienced Dallas robbery lawyer will work to attack elements in the government’s case. Possible defenses can include, but are not limited, to:
- Defendant has an alibi
- Insufficient evidence
- Lack of knowledge or lack of intent
- Defendant was unarmed
- Defendant didn’t cause bodily injury
- Defendant didn’t intentionally threaten the victim
- Victim did not fear bodily injury or death
Again, these are all just possibilities. It’s important to understand that you are innocent until proven guilty. We will hold prosecutors to their burden of proof and challenge the evidence, as well as any eyewitness testimony and the police investigation. Our team has decades of experience, first as prosecutors and now as highly regarded defense attorneys. We know how the other side thinks and we use that to our advantage when defending our clients.
How will a Dallas robbery lawyer at Varghese Summersett help me?
When you choose Varghese Summersett, you are choosing a firm with experience and exceptional results. You can count on us to:
- Explain and protect your legal rights;
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your case;
- Guide you through the criminal court system;
- Discuss possible defense strategies, including the strengths and weaknesses of the prosecutor’s case;
- Fight to have your charges dismissed or reduced;
- Negotiate with prosecutors to bring you a fair plea bargain;
- Aggressively defend you in trial.
Contact us and talk to an experienced Dallas robbery lawyer.
A robbery charge can cause irreparable damage to your reputation and jeopardize your future. You absolutely, unequivocally need the skills and expertise of a seasoned defense lawyer to successfully fight your case. We can help. Call 214-903-4000 to speak with an experienced Dallas robbery lawyer today. The sooner we can start planning your defense strategy, the better off you will be in the long run.
