At Hurwitz Law Group, our Los Angeles robbery defense attorney protects clients facing serious criminal charges throughout Los Angeles County. Robbery ranks as a violent felony under California law and carries penalties of up to nine years in California state prison. According to the California Department of Justice, Los Angeles County prosecutes thousands of robbery cases each year, with conviction rates exceeding 70%.
Unlike simple theft crime charges, robbery involves taking someone else's property through force or fear. The stakes include prison time, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to your personal and professional life. Our legal team provides aggressive criminal defense to fight these charges and protect your future.
We build effective defense strategies tailored to the specific facts of each robbery case. Our criminal defense team protects your constitutional rights throughout every stage of the legal process. When you face robbery charges, you risk your freedom, your criminal record, and future opportunities in employment and housing.
Our approach to criminal defense includes:
We have a successful track record of handling complex criminal cases in Los Angeles courts. Early intervention often makes the difference between a case dismissed and a robbery conviction.
California Penal Code Section 211 defines robbery as taking personal property from another person's immediate presence against their will through force or fear. Prosecutors must prove several elements to secure a robbery conviction. The defendant must have taken property belonging to someone else while that person had physical control of it.
| Element | What Prosecution Must Prove |
|---|---|
| Taking | Defendant took personal property |
| Possession | The property was in the victim's immediate presence |
| Force or Fear | Defendant used physical force or threats |
| Against Will | The victim did not consent to taking |
| Intent | Defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner |
The use of force or fear distinguishes robbery from other theft crimes, such as petty theft or grand theft. Under California law, robbery is always charged as a felony regardless of the value of the stolen property. Enhanced penalties apply when aggravating factors are present.
California recognizes different degrees of robbery offenses based on the circumstances surrounding the crime. The degree of robbery classification affects potential penalties and defense strategy options.
First-degree robbery includes robberies committed in inhabited dwellings, near ATMs, or against drivers and passengers of commercial vehicles. This classification also covers any robbery occurring immediately after the alleged victim uses an ATM. First-degree robbery carries penalties of three, four, or six years in California state prison. The seriousness of these circumstances triggers the harshest penalties under the California Penal Code.
Second-degree robbery covers all robbery offenses that do not qualify as first-degree robbery. This includes street robberies, store robberies, and other robberies occurring in public locations. Second-degree robbery carries penalties of two, three, or five years in state prison. While this represents a less severe classification, a second-degree robbery conviction still results in a violent felony on your permanent record.
Armed robbery involves using a firearm, knife, or other deadly weapon during the commission of the crime. California Penal Code Section 12022.53 provides for enhanced penalties when a defendant uses a deadly weapon. These enhancements can add three to ten additional years to the base sentence. If the defendant fired a weapon causing great bodily injury, enhancements can add 25 years to life.
The Los Angeles County prosecutor must prove every element of robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. This standard protects defendants from wrongful conviction based on weak evidence. Our criminal defense lawyer challenges each element to create reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors.
Prosecutors must establish that:
We examine witness credibility and physical evidence to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Insufficient evidence on any single element can result in an acquittal or a case dismissal.
Our experienced criminal defense attorney team employs multiple legal defenses depending on the facts of your robbery case. The right defense strategy depends on the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and available evidence.
Effective defense strategies include:
Video surveillance analysis often reveals facts that contradict witness testimony. Our defense attorneys exploit every weakness to achieve a favorable outcome.
Certain circumstances trigger severe penalties beyond the base sentence for robbery. These enhancements can add years or decades to prison time.
| Enhancement | Additional Penalty |
|---|---|
| Firearm use (PC 12022.53) | 10-25 years to life |
| Great bodily injury (PC 12022.7) | 3-6 years |
| Gang-related robbery | 5-15 years |
| Prior strike conviction | Double the sentence |
| Multiple victims | Consecutive sentences |
The Three Strikes Law treats robbery as a serious felony strike. A defendant with prior strike convictions faces doubled sentences or 25 years to life for a third strike. Our legal team negotiates aggressively to remove or reduce enhancements in plea agreements when a trial is not the best option.
Understanding the legal system helps defendants make informed decisions at each stage. California Courts provides resources for defendants navigating the criminal justice system, which moves through several phases from arrest to resolution.
The process includes:
Criminal cases can take months to resolve, depending on complexity. A criminal defense lawyer guides clients through each stage and protects their rights throughout the legal process.
A robbery conviction carries immediate penalties and long-term consequences that affect every aspect of life. California law imposes harsh sentences for this violent felony.
| Charge | Prison Sentence | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| First Degree Robbery | 3, 4, or 6 years | Strike on record |
| Second Degree Robbery | 2, 3, or 5 years | Strike on record |
| With Deadly Weapon | Add 3-10 years | Enhanced supervision |
| With Great Bodily Injury | Add 3-6 years | Pay restitution |
Beyond prison time, convicted defendants face fines up to $10,000 and must pay restitution to victims. A felony conviction results in loss of voting rights and gun ownership. Non-citizens face deportation and immigration bars. The impact on personal and professional life lasts long after release from custody. In some cases, defendants may later seek expungement to clear their records after completing their sentences.
Understanding the distinctions between robbery and other theft crimes helps defendants grasp the serious nature of their charges. Robbery differs from related offenses in important ways.
| Crime | Key Elements | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Force or fear to take property | Always felony |
| Burglary | Entering a structure with the intent to steal | Felony or misdemeanor |
| Grand Theft | Taking property worth over $950 | Felony or misdemeanor |
| Petty Theft/Shoplifting | Taking property worth under $950 | Misdemeanor |
| Carjacking | Taking a vehicle through force or fear | Always felony |
Robbery always qualifies as a felony because of the force or fear element. Carjacking represents a specific type of robbery involving vehicles. The Los Angeles County prosecutor decides what charges to file based on evidence and circumstances. Defense strategy must account for these distinctions.
Our law firm begins building your defense immediately after you contact us. Time matters because evidence disappears and witnesses forget details. We conduct thorough investigations to uncover facts that support your case.
Our criminal law defense approach includes:
We negotiate with Los Angeles prosecutors from a position of strength. When negotiation fails to produce acceptable results, we prepare aggressively for trial.
The right Los Angeles criminal defense attorney changes outcomes in robbery cases. Our defense attorneys bring knowledge, relationships, and resources that benefit every client.
Why experience matters:
Former prosecutors on our legal team understand how the other side builds cases. This insight helps us identify weaknesses and develop winning strategies. A top-rated law firm provides resources that smaller law offices cannot match.
The actions you take after arrest significantly affect your case outcome. Protect yourself by following these steps.
Immediate actions to take:
Understanding your constitutional rights protects you from self-incrimination. Our experienced criminal defense attorney team is available 24/7 to provide legal counsel when you need it most.
First-degree robbery involves taking a person's property from inhabited dwellings, ATMs, or vehicles and carries harsher legal penalties. Second-degree robbery covers other robberies with slightly lower penalties.
Yes, a skilled criminal defense attorney may negotiate reductions when evidence of force or fear, including the use of other deadly weapons, is weak. This depends on case specifics and the prosecutor's discretion.
Armed robbery with a firearm or other deadly weapons adds 3-10 years beyond the base sentence. Discharging a weapon causing injury can lead to enhancements up to 25 years to life.
Robbery is a strike offense under California law. A second strike doubles legal penalties, while a third strike can result in 25 years to life in state prison.
Probation is rare due to robbery’s violent felony status. Some second-degree robbery cases involving a person's property and mitigating factors may qualify for probation.
Contact our Los Angeles robbery lawyer immediately for a free consultation. Do not speak to the police and preserve any alibi or evidence proving you did not take a person's property.
When you face robbery charges in Los Angeles, every decision matters. The prosecution builds its case from the moment of arrest, and you need a criminal defense attorney to do the same. At Hurwitz Law Group, our Los Angeles robbery defense attorney team has defended thousands of clients against serious criminal charges.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your robbery case and legal options. Our legal team is available 24/7 for arrests and emergencies because criminal charges do not wait for business hours. Contact us today to protect your freedom, your rights, and your future with a law firm that fights aggressively for every client.
Brian Hurwitz Has 10+ Years of Criminal Defense Experience
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