Columbia Robbery Lawyer
Since robbery combines the elements of theft and assault, Maryland law categorizes it as a violent crime. As a result, the potential repercussions of a robbery conviction are quite severe and may result in lengthy prison terms.
If you are accused of robbery or attempted robbery, it is essential to build a strong defense from the beginning. Consider contacting a Columbia robbery lawyer for legal advice on defenses that may be available to you. A well-practiced attorney could help you gather evidence and fight robbery allegations in Columbia.
Defining Robbery
Md. Code, Crim. Law § 3-401(e) defines robbery as a purposeful taking or theft of property owned by others or services through the use of force or violence or a threat of force or violence. In committing a robbery, individuals also must have the intention to:
- Deny the owner possession of the property either on a permanent basis
- Deny the owner possession of the property to the extent that it loses all or part of its value
- Return the property to the owner in exchange for a reward or other compensation
- Take some action to make the property likely unavailable to the owner, such as disposing of or using the property
The statute also defines property as anything of value, which could include money, credit cards, real estate, tickets to an event, jewelry, and other items of property. Services also are of value, so they may include labor, professional services, utility services, housing, and computer usage, among other things.
Since an attempt to commit robbery falls into the same classification as the criminal offense of robbery under Maryland law, it is unnecessary that a robbery actually occurs in order to be convicted of this offense.
Armed Robbery
If individuals use a firearm or other deadly weapon to rob or attempt to rob another person, or even claims that they have a firearm or deadly weapon in their possession, they commit the criminal offense of armed robbery pursuant to Code § 3-403.
Carjacking
According to Code § 3-405, the crime of carjacking occurs when individuals use force, violence, intimidation, or threats thereof in order to purposely take control of a motor vehicle from another who was in possession of that vehicle.
Consequences of a Robbery Conviction
Code § 3-402 establishes robbery as a felony offense under Maryland law, so the potential penalties for committing robbery are severe. Individuals who commit robbery may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment for up to 15 years.
There are also collateral consequences that might arise from a robbery conviction. As robbery involves an element of violence or at least a threat of violence, it may not only prohibit some types of careers but could also make it difficult to find a job in general. A felony conviction will appear whenever prospective employers, landlords, or schools perform a criminal background check, ban individuals from voting, and prohibit the ownership, possession, or usage of firearms.
Some circumstances may increase the prison sentence for a robbery conviction and establish a minimum sentence that individuals are required to serve.
If individuals committed armed robbery, such as by using a firearm in a bank robbery or pass a note to the bank teller that they have a firearm, they will face a maximum 20-year sentence of incarceration.
Carjacking also carries an even lengthier prison sentence, as individuals convicted of this offense can face up to 30 years in prison.
Get a Columbia Robbery lawyer On Your Side
When you are facing the possibility of years in prison due to accusations of having committed a serious crime, handling the matter on your own is likely not a realistic possibility.
A Columbia robbery lawyer may be able to explain the charges against you, assess the evidence that points to guilt in your case, and develop a strategy that establishes reasonable doubt. With the help of a skilled defense attorney, you may be able to minimize the impact of a criminal conviction and its consequences on your life.