When someone finds themselves faced with the possibility of being arrested and charged for a criminal act as serious as robbery, it can be terrifying. A person in this predicament should first obtain the services of a knowledgeable attorney that has experience with Alexandria robbery laws. An experienced Alexandria robbery lawyer can help an individual gain an understanding of what they are up against if they go to trial.
Robbery is defined by Virginia Code Section 18.2-58 and in its simplest form as the act of taking another’s property without permission through an act of violence which may include:
As in all other criminal offenses, the Commonwealth must prove the elements of defense beyond a reasonable doubt. For a robbery case, they must prove that the person committed the taking with force, threat, intimidation or displayed a weapon. If it can be proven that the person who carried out the robbery did demonstrate any of these qualities, it must then be proven that they attempted to intentionally deprive the victim of that property.
If found guilty of a robbery offense, the consequence is a felony conviction, which makes the need for an Alexandria robbery lawyer even more crucial. The severity of the charge is contingent on the severity of the act itself and a person will be sentenced accordingly. The incarceration period ranges from five years to life depending on the facts of the case, including whether or not someone was harmed.
In Virginia, the harshest penalty is life imprisonment for a robbery conviction, but an Alexandria robbery lawyer with a background in these types of cases can play a major role in lessening the severity of a sentence.
A defendant who is found guilty and convicted of robbery will not only face incarceration, but will also lose certain constitutional rights such as:
If a person has been charged with attempted robbery or a similar related offense, such as grand larceny or carjacking, she or he should contact an experienced local attorney as soon as possible. They should look for an attorney that possesses qualities, which include:
The focus for anyone that is facing charges for a crime as serious as robbery should be attaining the assistance of an experienced attorney as soon as possible. who is going to represent their client to the best of their ability. Robbery is a serious offense for which the accused faces a serious loss of liberty if found guilty.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group
