Robbery

Robbery is one of the most common felony charges in Florida, and if not handled properly can result in a jail sentence or permanent criminal conviction. Jail sentences ultimately expire, but the stigma of a felony robbery conviction can last a lifetime for young adult defendants and juveniles. Do not let a robbery charge be the reason why you or a loved one will struggle to live successful and fulfilled life. Benjamin Herbst is a South Florida criminal defense lawyer who specializes in defending robbery charges in all courthouses in the Tri-County area. He has successfully handled hundreds of criminal cases in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, and is an experienced Treasure Coast lawyer for his clients facing charges in Martin and St. Lucie County. Benjamin has won numerous jury trials and achieved dismissals in all types of felony robbery cases, and is standing by to offer a free consultation about your case at (954) 543-0305. He has a flexible meeting schedule in his Fort Lauderdale and West Palm offices, and is willing to travel to any convenient location to discuss the case. Benjamin not only fights for his clients in and outside of court, but also makes it a priority to stay in touch at all times. Keeping clients informed of the progress of the case is not optional for a good lawyer, and Benjamin provides his cell phone number for personal access on nights and weekends. Call Benjamin to learn what defenses may be available to you, and start fighting for your rights.

Under Florida law, robbery is defined as taking money or property from another person using force, violence, the threat of violence, assault or generally placing the other person in fear. In other words, a robbery occurs when you have a theft plus an assault or battery. Robbery with a firearm or other deadly weapon is one of the most serious crimes on the books, and is punishable by life in prison in Florida. Robbery with a deadly weapon can result in a lengthy prison sentence even for youthful offenders and defendants with little or no prior record. It is not a defense to argue that the firearm was not loaded or that the defendant was incapable of actually causing serious injuries, as Florida law has a broad definition of what constitutes a deadly weapon. While firearms and knives are the most common deadly weapons, other objects that can inflict serious bodily harm can be the reason a defendant is charged with robbery with a deadly weapon. Benjamin fights tooth and nail for all his clients charged with armed robbery, and will not settle for less than the best outcome. He fights to have his client’s charges dropped or reduced, and is never afraid to go to jury trial if a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached.

Armed robbery without the use of a deadly weapon is still classified as a first-degree felony under Florida law, and carries a 30-year maximum penalty. Police routinely attempt to overcharge a robbery suspect with armed robbery even when the there was little evidence that an actual weapon was used. Florida law does not provide strict guidelines as to what can be considered a weapon. Literally any object that can cause an injury or even be used to threaten a person with injury can be considered a weapon. Benjamin Herbst specializes in defending clients charged with armed robbery in adult and juvenile court, and has the skill and experience to achieve the best possible outcome.

A standard robbery charge, also known as strong arm robbery, is a second-degree felony in Florida, which carries a 15-year maximum prison sentence. Robbery charges are surprisingly common in school settings, where we have seen numerous cases of simple fights or horseplay escalate into incidents where the police become involved. If a two people get into a fight or even an argument, a person can be charged with robbery for taking the other’s property. This is true regardless of value and regardless of whether the person had the intent to take or keep to property. If your child has been charged with robbery due to an incident at Florida public or private school Benjamin Herbst has the experience to assure the case will not have a negative impact on an otherwise bright future. Benjamin represents adults and juveniles in robbery cases in all South Florida jurisdictions, and can offer a free consultation about what to expect in court.