In Loudoun County, you could be charged with robbery in two distinct ways. The most common way is to be caught in the act of committing a robbery or fleeing by law enforcement. The other way people are commonly charged with robbery is after a police investigation. Law enforcement will speak with witnesses, alleged victims, and analyze evidence to formulate a list of suspects, and eventually make a charge, getting a judge to issue a warrant for arrest or a grand jury to indict the suspect.
If you have been charged with robbery, or are being investigated for that crime, it may be in your best interest to consult with an experienced robbery lawyer. Loudoun County robbery charges differ from theft due to the presence of violence and are much more serious. A local criminal defense lawyer could help you build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf.
If someone is charged with an attempt or conspiracy to commit robbery, that means they have not committed a robbery offense, but planned to do so. Typically, an attempt occurs when someone has the intent to commit or has taken action to prepare to commit the offense but are unable to complete it successfully.
Conspiracy is when the individual is part of an agreement with others to commit robbery. Whether that individual made an explicit agreement or was complicit in planning a robbery, they may be charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery.
In a variety of circumstances, someone may be charged with conspiracy to attempt robbery or attempted robbery in addition to an actual robbery charge. Sometimes this happens if law enforcement is unsure they can secure a conviction for the initial robbery charge or if the individual conspired or attempted to rob one location, but was intending to rob more.
An indictment is when a grand jury of local peers decides that there is probable cause for a charge and arrest after investigating the facts of a case and witness testimony. An Indictment carries much more weight than a criminal complaint from a prosecutor as indictments are only used for felonies or other sever indictable offenses.
There are a variety of circumstances in which people are indicted before being arrested. In fact, it is quite common for someone to be indicted in a Loudoun County robbery case before they are arrested. For more information about robbery charges in Loudoun County, contact a seasoned defense lawyer.
If you have learned that you are being charged with, or indicted for robbery, the first thing you should do is call a lawyer to protect your rights. How a person is charged with robbery may have a serious impact on how the case is viewed. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer could help you understand what Loudoun County robbery charges mean, and how you could possibly build a defense against them. A lawyer could help protect your rights after an indictment or arrest and prepare you for the impending legal process. Call today to schedule a consultation for your case.
Northern Virginia Criminal Defense Group