Aggravated robbery in Fort Bend County is a first-degree felony. A conviction carries five to 99 years in a Texas state prison, a fine up to $10,000, and a permanent felony record that follows you for the rest of your life. If you or someone you love has been arrested for aggravated robbery in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Rosenberg, or anywhere in Fort Bend County, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney fighting for you immediately.
Why Varghese Summersett for Fort Bend Aggravated Robbery Defense
Varghese Summersett is one of Texas’s most respected criminal defense firms, with four offices, a team of highly skilled defense attorneys and a track record of over 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions. The firm’s Houston-area team is led by Senior Counsel Mike Hanson, who served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Tarrant County and Fort Bend County before moving to the defense side. He has tried more than 60 cases before a jury. That prosecutorial background means the team knows exactly how Fort Bend County prosecutors build aggravated robbery cases — and how to dismantle them.
Varghese Summersett attorneys have been featured in major media outlets and have earned top ratings from independent attorney review organizations. Five of the firm’s attorneys hold board certifications from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization — a credential fewer than 5% of Texas lawyers earn. When the stakes are this high, experience and credentials matter.
To speak with a Fort Bend criminal defense attorney any time of day or night, call (281) 805-2220. There is no charge for the consultation.
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What People in Fort Bend County Are Asking About Aggravated Robbery
Aggravated robbery charges raise urgent, practical questions. The answers below address what most people want to know first.
Is aggravated robbery a felony in Texas?
Yes. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony under Texas law — the most serious non-capital felony classification. There is no misdemeanor version of this charge.
What makes a robbery “aggravated”?
A robbery becomes aggravated when the person causes serious bodily injury to someone, uses or displays a deadly weapon, or threatens or injures a person who is 65 or older or disabled. Any one of these factors elevates a robbery to the aggravated level.
What is the difference between robbery and aggravated robbery?
Robbery under Texas Penal Code § 29.02 is a second-degree felony. When any of the aggravating factors above are present, the charge upgrades to first-degree under § 29.03. You can learn more at our page on robbery in Texas and how it compares to aggravated robbery.
Can I be charged with aggravated robbery even if I didn’t have a real weapon?
Yes. Texas law only requires that a deadly weapon was “used or exhibited.” Courts have held that the weapon does not have to be real — a replica firearm or even a hand gesture implying a weapon may satisfy this element in certain circumstances. Each case turns on its specific facts.
What happens if the victim was elderly or disabled?
Targeting a person 65 or older or a person with a disability automatically elevates the charge to aggravated robbery, even if no weapon was involved and no serious injury occurred. This is a strict enhancement under § 29.03(a)(3).
What Is Aggravated Robbery Under Texas Law?
Under Texas Penal Code § 29.03, a person commits aggravated robbery when, in the course of committing theft and with intent to obtain or maintain control of property, the person:
- Causes serious bodily injury to another person;
- Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon; or
- Causes bodily injury or threatens or places in fear of imminent bodily injury or death a person who is 65 years of age or older, or is disabled.
The underlying robbery statute, Texas Penal Code § 29.02, defines robbery as committing theft while intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, or intentionally or knowingly threatening or placing another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death. Aggravated robbery simply adds one or more of the factors listed above.
What the State Must Prove
To convict you of aggravated robbery, the prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt — the highest burden of proof in the legal system. You have no obligation to prove anything. The burden rests entirely on the State of Texas. Specifically, prosecutors must prove:
- You committed or attempted to commit theft (taking property without the owner’s consent and with intent to deprive);
- In the course of that theft, you intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another person, or intentionally or knowingly threatened or placed someone in fear of imminent bodily injury or death; and
- At least one aggravating factor was present — serious bodily injury, use or display of a deadly weapon, or that the victim was elderly or disabled.
If the State cannot prove every one of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury must return a not guilty verdict.
Penalties for Aggravated Robbery in Fort Bend County
Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony under Texas law. The consequences are severe and long-lasting.
- Prison: 5 to 99 years, or life, in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
- Fine: Up to $10,000
- Parole eligibility: Generally not available until one-half of the sentence is served (or 30 years, whichever is less) — and potentially longer depending on a jury’s affirmative deadly weapon finding
- Permanent felony record: Aggravated robbery generally cannot be expunged or sealed under Texas law
- Loss of civil rights: Right to possess a firearm, right to vote during incarceration, and other rights
- Immigration consequences: Non-citizens face deportation and removal proceedings
A deadly weapon finding by the jury — which is common in aggravated robbery cases — affects parole eligibility significantly. Under Texas Government Code § 508.145(d), a person convicted of a first-degree felony with a deadly weapon finding must serve at least half of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole, with a minimum floor of two years.
Beyond prison, a first-degree felony conviction affects housing, employment, professional licensing, and countless other aspects of everyday life. The consequences extend far beyond the sentence itself.
Bond for Aggravated Robbery in Fort Bend County
After an aggravated robbery arrest in Fort Bend County, one of the first priorities is getting out of jail. Bond amounts in these cases are high, and understanding what to expect matters.
Typical Bond Amounts for Aggravated Robbery in Fort Bend County
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 10,241 bonds set in Fort Bend County between January and December 2025:
| Charge | Cases Analyzed | Typical Bond Range | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Robbery (§ 29.03) | 62 | Varies widely | $50,000 |
The average bond set in these 62 cases was approximately $111,290. The most frequently set bond amount was $50,000. Judges consider the seriousness of the charge, criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk when setting bond. High bonds in aggravated robbery cases are routine. An experienced defense attorney can file a motion to reduce bond and present evidence of community ties, employment, and other mitigating factors.
If bond is reduced, a bondsman typically charges 10-15% of the bond amount as a non-refundable fee. On a $50,000 bond, that means $5,000-$7,500 to a bondsman. Bond conditions almost always include no-contact orders with any alleged victim, travel restrictions, and regular check-ins.
Common Defenses to Aggravated Robbery in Texas
Aggravated robbery charges carry severe penalties, but they are not automatically convictions. Skilled defense attorneys identify the weaknesses in the State’s case and mount a strategic challenge. Common defenses include attacking each element the prosecution must prove.
No Theft or Intent to Steal
Aggravated robbery requires that a theft occur or be attempted. If there is no evidence of intent to steal — for example, if the alleged confrontation arose from a dispute over property the defendant legitimately owned or believed they owned — the theft element fails. Without theft, there is no robbery, let alone aggravated robbery.
No Deadly Weapon Was Used or Exhibited
Prosecutors must prove a deadly weapon was used or displayed. If the evidence is weak, ambiguous, or based solely on a witness’s perception rather than physical evidence, this element is vulnerable. An experienced attorney scrutinizes surveillance video, forensic evidence, and witness statements carefully.
Mistaken Identity or Misidentification
Eyewitness identification is one of the most commonly challenged forms of evidence in criminal cases. Stress, poor lighting, brief contact, cross-racial identification, and suggestive lineup procedures all affect reliability. Defense attorneys may bring in expert witnesses on the science of eyewitness memory or challenge the specific procedures law enforcement used.
No Serious Bodily Injury
When the aggravated charge is based on causing serious bodily injury (rather than a weapon), the definition of “serious bodily injury” under Texas Penal Code § 1.07(a)(46) matters. It requires substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body organ or member. Not every injury meets this threshold.
Duress or Coercion
If a person was compelled to participate in a robbery because they were threatened with imminent death or serious bodily injury, and a reasonable person in their position would not have resisted, duress may be a viable defense under Texas Penal Code § 8.05. This defense is rare and highly fact-specific, but it applies in some circumstances.
Constitutional Violations
Evidence obtained through an unlawful search, an illegal stop, or a violation of Miranda rights may be suppressed. If critical evidence is excluded, the prosecution’s case may collapse entirely. Defense attorneys file motions to suppress and conduct thorough reviews of all law enforcement conduct.
See also our page on aggravated robbery defense for a deeper look at legal strategies.
The Legal Process: What Happens After an Aggravated Robbery Arrest in Fort Bend County
Understanding the process helps reduce the anxiety that comes with a serious felony charge. Here is what to generally expect in a Fort Bend County aggravated robbery case.
Arrest and Booking
After arrest, you are booked into the Fort Bend County Jail. Within 24-48 hours, you will typically have a magistrate hearing where a judge sets your bond. Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Grand Jury Review
In Texas, first-degree felonies like aggravated robbery require grand jury action before the case proceeds to trial. A grand jury of 12 citizens reviews the State’s evidence and decides whether there is probable cause to formally indict. This is an opportunity — with skilled legal maneuvering — to present exculpatory evidence and potentially prevent an indictment entirely.
Discovery and Investigation
Your attorney obtains and reviews all evidence the prosecution plans to use: police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, forensic evidence, and more. The defense conducts its own investigation — interviewing witnesses, visiting the scene, and retaining expert witnesses where needed.
Pretrial Motions
Defense attorneys file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the admissibility of identification evidence, and seek other rulings that can narrow or eliminate the State’s case before trial.
Plea Negotiations or Trial
Some cases resolve through negotiated plea agreements — often for reduced charges, reduced prison time, or probation, depending on the strength of the defense. Other cases go to trial, where a jury decides guilt or innocence. Fort Bend County District Courts sit in Richmond, Texas. The decision to accept a plea or proceed to trial is always the client’s decision, made with full advice of counsel.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
Facing a first-degree felony is one of the most frightening experiences a person can go through. Varghese Summersett understands that, and the firm’s approach reflects it.
From the moment you call, you receive honest, direct answers about your situation. The team does not overpromise outcomes or sugarcoat risks. What clients get is a thorough, aggressive defense built on real experience — attorneys who know Fort Bend County courts, understand how local prosecutors approach aggravated robbery cases, and have the resources and skill to fight back.
The firm’s Houston-area team is led by Senior Counsel Mike Hanson, who prosecuted cases in Fort Bend County before joining Varghese Summersett. That background gives the team a firsthand understanding of how these charges are built and how to challenge them. Attorney Hanson has tried more than 60 cases to a jury.
Varghese Summersett has achieved over 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions across its practice. The firm has helped clients facing the most serious charges in Texas reach outcomes they could not have achieved without skilled representation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they reflect a firm that shows up ready to fight.
The firm operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If someone you love was just arrested for aggravated robbery in Fort Bend County, call (281) 805-2220 right now.
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Aggravated Robbery and Related Cases: Firm Results
Varghese Summersett has secured dismissals and no-bills in aggravated robbery cases. In our case database, six aggravated robbery cases resulted in dismissals or grand jury no-bills — meaning the grand jury declined to indict after reviewing the State’s evidence. These outcomes reflect careful early intervention, thorough investigation, and aggressive representation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Robbery vs. Burglary: Understanding the Difference
Many people confuse robbery and burglary. They are different crimes with different elements and different penalties. Robbery involves taking property directly from a person using force or fear. Burglary involves entering a building without consent to commit a crime inside. Our video below breaks down the distinction clearly:
Video: What’s the Difference Between Robbery and Burglary?
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Robbery in Fort Bend County
Can aggravated robbery be reduced to a lesser charge in Texas?
Yes, in some cases. Prosecutors have discretion to offer reduced charges as part of plea negotiations. A charge may be reduced from aggravated robbery (first-degree felony) to robbery (second-degree) or even theft-related charges, depending on the evidence, the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and the strength of the defense. Having a skilled attorney negotiate on your behalf significantly affects what offers the State makes.
Can you get probation for aggravated robbery in Texas?
Probation — called “community supervision” in Texas — is generally not available for aggravated robbery through a judge’s order after a guilty plea to the full charge. However, a jury may recommend community supervision in some cases, and a plea to a reduced charge may make probation possible. This is highly fact-specific. Your attorney can assess whether community supervision is a realistic option in your case.
What is the restraint enhancement in robbery cases?
Texas law includes an enhancement when a person restrains a victim during a robbery. Learn more at our blog post on the restraint enhancement in robbery cases. This enhancement can affect sentencing and should be addressed early in any robbery defense strategy.
How long does an aggravated robbery case take in Fort Bend County?
These cases typically take 12 to 24 months from arrest to resolution, though timelines vary. Grand jury proceedings, discovery disputes, pretrial motions, and trial scheduling all affect the timeline. An attorney can give a more specific estimate after reviewing the facts of your case.
What should I do right now if I’ve been arrested for aggravated robbery?
Stop talking. Do not answer questions from police or investigators without your attorney present. Even if you believe you can explain the situation, speaking without counsel almost always hurts your case. Call an attorney as soon as possible. The earlier legal representation begins, the more options are available — including potentially influencing whether the grand jury indicts at all.
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Speak With a Fort Bend Aggravated Robbery Lawyer Today
Aggravated robbery is one of the most serious charges in the Texas Penal Code. The potential for a decades-long prison sentence, a permanent felony record, and the loss of everything you’ve built demands serious legal firepower. Varghese Summersett has the experience, the track record, and the Fort Bend County knowledge to defend you.
Call (281) 805-2220 to speak with a member of our team. The consultation is free and confidential. The sooner you act, the quicker we can get started defending your case.