Robbery is a serious felony in Texas. A conviction can carry years in state prison and follow you for life. If you or someone you love has been arrested for robbery in Denton County, the time to act is now.
Why Denton County Defendants Trust Varghese Summersett
Varghese Summersett is one of Texas’s most decorated criminal defense firms, with four offices across the state and a team of more than 70 attorneys and legal professionals. The firm has secured more than 1,600 dismissals and 800+ charge reductions for clients facing serious criminal charges.
The attorneys at Varghese Summersett include former prosecutors who spent years working inside the Texas court system before switching sides. That insider experience matters when your case is heading to a Denton County district court. The firm combines over 100 years of combined legal experience with a deep understanding of how Denton County prosecutors and judges approach violent felony cases.
Robbery charges can result in decades in prison. Getting the right team in your corner from day one is the difference that matters most.
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What Is Robbery in Texas?
People often confuse robbery with theft or burglary. They are not the same. Robbery involves taking property from another person using force, violence, or the threat of bodily injury. Theft does not require any contact or threat; robbery always does. You can read more about the difference between robbery and burglary on our blog.
Robbery does not require a weapon. A shove, a threat, or even placing someone in fear of injury during a theft can be enough for the State to file robbery charges.
Texas Robbery Laws: What the State Must Prove
Under Texas Penal Code § 29.02, a person commits robbery if, while in the course of committing theft and with intent to obtain or maintain control of property, the person 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.
To convict someone of robbery, the State must prove every one of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant was in the course of committing theft (taking or attempting to take property with intent to deprive the owner of it)
- The defendant intended to obtain or maintain control of that property
- During that theft, the defendant either caused bodily injury to another person OR intentionally or knowingly threatened or placed another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death
The burden of proof is entirely on the State. The defendant does not have to prove anything or explain their innocence. If the prosecution cannot establish every element beyond a reasonable doubt, the jury must return a not guilty verdict.
Aggravated Robbery: A Step Above
Under Texas Penal Code § 29.03, aggravated robbery occurs when a person commits robbery and additionally causes serious bodily injury to another, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, or causes bodily injury to or threatens a person who is 65 or older or disabled. If you are facing aggravated robbery charges, visit our aggravated robbery defense page for more information.
Aggravated robbery is classified as a first-degree felony, the most serious category of felony in Texas outside of capital murder.
Penalties for Robbery and Aggravated Robbery in Texas
The consequences of a robbery conviction in Texas are severe:
- Robbery (§ 29.02): Second-degree felony — 2 to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice; fine up to $10,000
- Aggravated Robbery (§ 29.03): First-degree felony — 5 to 99 years or life in prison; fine up to $10,000
Beyond prison time and fines, a robbery conviction means a permanent felony record. That affects employment, housing, professional licensing, and your right to possess a firearm for the rest of your life.
It is also worth knowing that the State can add a restraint enhancement to a robbery charge if the defendant is alleged to have restrained the victim during the offense. This enhancement can elevate punishment ranges significantly.
Bond Amounts for Robbery in Denton County
Based on an analysis Varghese Summersett completed of over 12,937 bonds set in Denton County in 2025:
Typical Bond Amounts for Robbery and Aggravated Robbery in Denton County
| Charge | Cases Analyzed | Average Bond | Most Common Bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery (§ 29.02) | 28 | $19,519 | $10,000 |
| Aggravated Robbery (§ 29.03) | 27 | $92,408 | $50,000 |
A judge may set bond higher or lower depending on the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, ties to the community, and any claims that the defendant poses a flight risk or danger to others. An experienced defense attorney can appear at a bond hearing and argue for a lower bond amount. To learn more about the Denton County jail and bond process, visit our Denton County Jail guide.
Common Defenses to Robbery Charges in Denton County
Every element of robbery is a potential line of defense. If the State cannot prove any single element beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant cannot be convicted. The most common defenses include:
No theft occurred or was attempted. If the evidence does not support that the defendant was in the course of committing theft, the robbery charge cannot stand.
No force, threat, or fear. The State must prove the defendant caused bodily injury or placed the alleged victim in fear. Witness credibility, surveillance footage, and physical evidence all bear on this question.
Mistaken identity. Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable. Cross-examining witnesses and challenging the identification process has led to dismissals and acquittals in robbery cases across Texas.
Consent or claim of right. In some situations, the defendant may have genuinely believed they had a right to the property in question. This can negate the intent element required for theft.
Self-defense or defense of others. If force was used to protect oneself or another person rather than to commit theft, the robbery charge may not hold.
Lack of intent. The prosecution must prove the defendant acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. Evidence of confusion, intoxication, or circumstances that undercut specific intent can be powerful in the right case.
Case Results: What Varghese Summersett Has Achieved
Varghese Summersett has secured dismissals, no bills, and favorable outcomes in aggravated robbery cases across Texas. The firm’s historical case results include six robbery outcomes that resulted in no bills from grand juries or outright dismissals. These results reflect the firm’s ability to challenge the State’s case at every stage of the process, from grand jury presentation through trial.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but they speak to the firm’s dedication and experience with the most serious robbery charges in Texas.
The Robbery Case Process in Denton County
Understanding what lies ahead can help you and your family make better decisions. Here is what typically happens after a robbery arrest in Denton County.
Arrest and booking. After an arrest, the defendant is transported to the Denton County Jail and booked. A magistrate sets an initial bond, often within 48 hours.
Bond hearing. A defense attorney can request a bond hearing before a judge to argue for a lower or more reasonable bond amount. This is one of the first critical opportunities for an attorney to make an impact.
Grand jury. For felony charges, the case goes to a grand jury, which decides whether there is probable cause to indict. If the grand jury issues a “no bill,” the case is dismissed. An experienced defense attorney may be able to present mitigating information to the grand jury before an indictment is returned.
Arraignment and pre-trial. Once indicted, the defendant is formally arraigned and enters a plea. Pre-trial motions can challenge evidence, suppress statements, or contest the legality of the arrest.
Plea negotiations or trial. Many robbery cases resolve through plea negotiations. Others go to trial. A strong defense team prepares every case as if it will go before a jury, which puts the defense in the best possible position, whether the case resolves or proceeds to trial.
Sentencing. If the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty at trial, the judge or jury assesses punishment within the applicable range for the charge level.
If you or a family member has been arrested and needs help navigating the process, our Denton County criminal defense attorneys are available around the clock.
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
From the moment you reach out, the firm’s team gets to work. You will receive an honest assessment of your situation, not promises and false hope. The attorneys at Varghese Summersett investigate the facts, challenge the evidence, and identify every available defense before your case moves forward.
The firm is reachable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In robbery cases, time is critical. Surveillance footage disappears. Witnesses move or change their stories. Physical evidence can be lost. Acting quickly gives your defense team the best possible foundation to work from.
Throughout the process, you will have direct access to your attorney and consistent communication about where your case stands. The firm’s Denton County defense lawyers understand the local courts, the prosecutors, and the judges who handle robbery cases in this county.
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Robbery vs. Burglary: What’s the Difference?
Many people charged with robbery are confused about how it differs from burglary. This short video breaks it down clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery Charges in Denton County
Can robbery charges be reduced or dismissed in Denton County?
Yes. Robbery charges can be reduced or dismissed depending on the evidence, the strength of the defense, and how the case is handled. Varghese Summersett has secured dismissals and no bills in robbery and aggravated robbery cases. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on the specific facts involved.
Is robbery always a felony in Texas?
Yes. Under Texas Penal Code § 29.02, robbery is a second-degree felony. Aggravated robbery under § 29.03 is a first-degree felony. There is no misdemeanor version of robbery in Texas.
What is the difference between robbery and theft in Texas?
Theft involves taking property without the use of force, threats, or violence. Robbery requires that the defendant caused bodily injury to someone or threatened or placed someone in fear of bodily injury while in the course of committing theft. The presence of force or fear is what elevates theft to robbery.
What makes robbery “aggravated” in Texas?
Aggravated robbery occurs when the defendant causes serious bodily injury, uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, or commits robbery against someone who is 65 or older or disabled. These factors elevate the charge from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony under § 29.03.
Should I talk to police after a robbery arrest in Denton County?
You have the right to remain silent, and you should use it. Politely but firmly decline to answer questions until you have spoken with an attorney. Statements made to police after an arrest are frequently used against defendants at trial. Reach out to a Denton County criminal defense attorney before saying anything.
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A robbery charge in Denton County is one of the most serious situations a person can face. The right defense team can mean the difference between years in prison and walking free. Varghese Summersett’s attorneys are available 24 hours a day. Reach out now for a free consultation.
