When a person commits armed robbery, they take someone’s property using an offensive weapon or something that appears to be an offensive weapon, such as a toy gun. This is a more serious offense than standard robbery crimes, and a conviction can have life-changing consequences, with up to life imprisonment and steep fines.
The judgment of a dedicated armed robbery attorney will help spot legal holes in the prosecution. It is possible to beat these charges and walk away with a clean record. Improve your chances of a favorable outcome by speaking to an Atlanta armed robbery lawyer.
Armed robbery involves taking property from another or from the immediate presence of another, with the intent to commit a theft by use of an offensive weapon. An offensive weapon can include replicas, models, or toys resembling real weapons.
A weapon can include any object that is likely to produce death or great bodily injury. There is no requirement that the item be intended for this purpose, either. Anything from a screwdriver, a broken beer bottle, vice grips, or nunchucks has been found to be an offensive weapon in armed robbery cases.
The penalties for an armed robbery conviction are severe. In fact, someone can spend the rest of their life behind bars after being found guilty of this offense. The mandatory minimum sentence for armed robbery in Georgia is 10 years. The sentencing range can go up to 20 years, and in some cases, life without parole.
The courts do have some limited discretion in imposing sentences below the mandatory minimum. It is important to have a skilled attorney to help get the sentence below the mandatory minimum.
However, this discretion disappears when it comes to defendants with prior felony convictions. A defendant with three prior felony convictions must serve the maximum sentence for armed robbery–life without the possibility of parole.
The stakes are high for this offense. An Atlanta armed robbery attorney can develop a defense strategy that avoids a conviction in many cases.
Generally, when someone is arrested, the accused has the opportunity to go before a magistrate court within 72 hours and request a bond. But because of the serious nature of the offense, this is not possible with armed robbery charges. Instead, only superior court judges can grant bond in these cases.
An Atlanta armed robbery attorney must petition the Superior Court for bond. Delaying legal representation can mean remaining in jail until trial.
If you have been accused of robbing someone while brandishing a firearm or other weapon, it is crucial that you protect yourself and your rights. A guilty verdict can change your life forever, making your choice of legal counsel important. Fight back with the help of an Atlanta armed robbery lawyer. Contact us today for a free consultation and help with your case.
