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Los Angeles Armed Robbery Attorney

What Is Armed Robbery?

The State of California defines robbery as taking another person’s property by force using fear or intimidation. “Armed” robbery is robbery involving the use of a weapon.

Robbery in California is a violent felony punishable by up to six years in prison. Sentences for armed robbery are significantly harsher. If you are facing armed robbery charges in California, you need the help of an experienced Los Angeles armed robbery attorney who has defended other clients against similar charges.

What Are the Penalties for Armed Robbery in California?

California law classifies robberies by degree of severity. First-degree robbery is considered the most severe and typically includes:

  • Car-jackings.
  • Home invasions.
  • Robbery at an ATM.

Armed robberies are almost always classified as first-degree robberies.

In general, if you are convicted of first-degree robbery, you could face up to six years in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. However, if a weapon was used, up to 25 more years could be added to your sentence. If the alleged victim of the robbery was injured, your sentence could be increased by another 3 to 6 years. If you have a prior strike conviction, this sentence will likely be doubled. 

Sentences can be particularly harsh for armed robberies involving a firearm. California’s “10-20-life” gun law applies to the use of guns during any kind of felony and imposes harsh penalties, including:

  • An extra 10 years added to your sentence for using (but not firing) a gun during a robbery.
  • An additional 20 years for firing a gun during a robbery.
  • An extra 25 years to life for firing a gun and causing severe bodily harm or death during a robbery.

You may be charged with more than one count of robbery. “Counts” of robbery are determined by the number of alleged victims involved. Each individual count is subject to separate sentencing – in other words, for each alleged victim, you may be subject to a minimum sentence for first-degree robbery, plus extra years for the weapon used and/or injuries caused.

Defenses Against Robbery Charges

In order to convict you for armed robbery, the government must be able to prove that:

  • You took property that did not belong to you;
  • You took that property from another person in that person’s presence and against their will;
  • You used fear or intimidation (including a weapon); AND
  • You intended to take the other person’s property permanently or for long enough to deprive them of its value.

The government needs to prove each of these elements beyond a reasonable doubt in order to convict you. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can find the holes in the government’s case at every step to raise doubts in the minds of a judge or jury.

How Can a Los Angeles Armed Robbery Attorney Help Me?

Armed robbery charges are serious. A skilled Los Angeles armed robbery attorney will fight aggressively for your rights and may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence or lesser charges or even get the charges against you dismissed. We went to trial in a robbery case and the jury found our client “not guilty.” For over 30 years, The Law Offices of Adrian M. Baca has been defending clients like you against armed robbery charges. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.