While most robbery charges are either first or second-degree felonies, the one exception is the charge of robbery by sudden snatching. Florida is one of the states that draws a middle ground between theft and robbery, and sudden snatching the way it’s defined. A theft is any type of unlawful taking, and when combined with force it becomes a robbery. Robbery punishments are more severe than theft, with the reason being that the victim was placed in fear. Anyone facing a robbery charge in Florida should contact a lawyer immediately for a consultation. Even if you feel like you may be a suspect and no charges have been filed it is advisable to contact counsel because police will try to take advantage of suspects who are unrepresented. Talking to the police is never a good idea without a lawyer, as detectives can twist your words around and make it seem like innocent statements are somehow evidence of a crime. Do not let this happen to you or loved one. Benjamin Herbst is a South Florida criminal defense lawyer who specializes in robbery by sudden snatching and armed robbery charges. He fights for his clients in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, and also is an experienced Treasure Coast lawyer for Martin County and St. Lucie County cases. Benjamin is always available to meet in his Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach offices, and can travel anywhere from Miami to Fort Pierce for a consultation.
Robbery by sudden snatching is a forceful theft, but without the necessary element that the victim was placed in fear or was actually assaulted. The basic form of robbery by sudden snatching is running or driving by and taking something without the victim knowing beforehand. Unlike a standard robbery, the victim does not have to be aware of the defendant’s actions before or even during the crime. While this would certainly cause harm to a victim, lawmakers in Florida believe that the victim will suffer less harm if they are not placed in fear prior to having money or other property stolen from them. There is no element of value required for the state to prove a case of robbery by sudden snatching. Technically, a defendant could be charge for taking a candy bar from another person. Robbery by sudden snatching is a third-degree felony under Florida law that is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, so it’s not a crime that can be taken lightly. If a defendant is arrested for robbery by sudden snatching and is found be carrying a deadly weapon such as a firearm or knife (not a pocket knife) he or she can be charged with a second-degree felony. The weapon does not have to have been used in the robbery for the enhanced penalty to apply, and the victim of the robbery does not have to even have been aware that the defendant had a weapon.
Benjamin Herbst has successfully represented dozens of defendants in robbery charges, including robbery by sudden snatching, and is an experienced South Florida juvenile criminal defense lawyer. Robbery is a common crime in juvenile courts, and Benjamin knows that protecting the futures of his young clients is up the utmost importance. He has represented hundreds of juveniles and knows how to communicate with them and their families. Benjamin provides all clients with his cell phone number for access on nights and weekends, and he makes availability a priority in all his cases. Going through a criminal prosecution is stressful enough, but feeling like you are doing it alone is even worse. Call Benjamin today and learn what defenses may be available in your robbery case.