Norfolk Armed Robbery Lawyer
Armed robbery is a serious crime that carries severe penalties. If you have been charged with armed robbery, you may want to seek the services of a Norfolk armed robbery lawyer.
A tenacious robbery attorney could help you fight the charges against you. They could be your legal advocate throughout the legal process from being charged to trial and appeals. A lawyer could gather evidence and use witness statements to help your case. Speak with a determined attorney to learn about your legal options and how to build a strong defense.
Defining Armed Robbery
The Commonwealth of Virginia does not have a specific armed robbery statute but there is a standard robbery statute. If someone uses a weapon, a deadly weapon, or they made an individual reasonably believe that they were going to use a deadly weapon, that is an armed robbery. An armed robbery offense consists of theft, assault, and the use of a weapon during the act of the crime.
Armed Robbery Consequences
An armed robbery crime in Norfolk is considered a felony offense. If someone is convicted of armed robbery with the use of a weapon, they risk serving mandatory jail time. This means that they could be facing three or five years if the defendant has had multiple offenses. The harshest penalty one could face for armed robbery is a life sentence to prison.
Prosecution’s Burden of Proof
In order for the prosecution to prove that the defendant committed armed robbery, they must prove that:
- An item was taken from an individual
- The item did not belong to the defendant
- The defendant used force or the threat of force
- A weapon was involved in the robbery
Building a Defense
Before building a defense against the prosecution, a Norfolk armed robbery lawyer will need to understand the facts of the case. The attorney will talk to the defendant to get an idea of what occurred and possible evidence of the crime. After the lawyer learns the defendant’s version of the story, then they can start preparing a defense. To build a strong defense, the lawyer will speak to witnesses or anyone who can testify as to what happened to help the defense. The defense lawyer will also want to gather evidence from the Commonwealth, which includes the claims against the defendant and how the government was able to identify the defendant as the perpetrator and how they are able to prove that the defendant used a weapon.
How an Attorney Could Help
An experienced attorney is going to know what works best and may be able to see any holes or weaknesses in the Commonwealth’s case. The more types of cases they have handled, the greater understanding they have on what the Commonwealth needs to prove in court. A more experienced attorney will be able to quickly figure out what the best course of action is and help the defendant make good decisions.
Speak to a Norfolk Armed Robbery Attorney
Being accused of armed robbery can be difficult for you and your family. The possible consequences of a conviction could affect the rest of your life. You could be facing serious fines and jail time. Also, a conviction means that you may have trouble obtaining a job, housing, or securing a loan.
If you have been charged with a crime, do not face it alone. Instead, reach out to a Norfolk armed robbery lawyer as soon as possible. An accomplished attorney could build a strong defense and advocate on your behalf. Do not let a criminal record destroy your future. Call today to start building your defense.
