Baltimore Robbery Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

Are you in the Baltimore area and facing robbery charges? Don’t go to court alone. Being convicted of a robbery is a serious offense and can lead to major jail time. Allow a Baltimore robbery lawyer to help you with legal representation.
We will be able to assist you from the time of the investigation up until we resolve your case. Contact us today to talk about how a Baltimore robbery lawyer can help.

Robbery Laws Under Maryland Criminal Law Code Ann. § 3-401

Robbery is a common-law crime which is defined as the felonious taking and carrying away of the personal property of another, from his person or in his presence, by violence, or by putting him in fear.
Title 3 of the Maryland Criminal Code includes offenses of robbery, robbery with a dangerous weapon and carjacking. Robbery involves violence against a person, making it a severely prosecuted crime. Under the crime of robbery with a dangerous weapon, the law provides that it is illegal to commit or attempt to commit a robbery with a dangerous weapon or by displaying an instrument claiming that the person has possession of a dangerous weapon.
Robbery is a specific intent crime, which means that the prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the owner of the property. However, under Maryland law an attempted robbery can still be charged as a robbery.
This means that even if the robbery was not completed, you can still be found guilty. Robbery charges are considered felonies and can change your life. If you are under investigation for or are charged with robbery, you need a Baltimore robbery lawyer.

Robbery Charges in Baltimore, Maryland

The Maryland statute defines robbery as intentionally taking or depriving an innocent victim of property or services, through the use of force or threat of force, with the intention of permanently depriving the victim of the property.
Maryland also criminalizes armed robbery, which is a distinct crime from robbery. Armed robbery is defined in the same way as robbery, except armed robbery must be committed with a deadly or dangerous weapon, such as a knife, firearm, or another type of weapon that is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death.

The Penalties for a Robbery Offense in Maryland

A robbery conviction may result in a prison term of up to 15 years, a fine, and restitution paid to the alleged victim. An armed robbery conviction may result in a 20-year prison sentence, in addition to a fine and restitution to the alleged victim.
Being convicted of a robbery can mean serving serious time behind bars. There are three offenses that fall under Title 3, Subtitle 4, robbery, and all of them carry separate penalties. If you are convicted of robbery under Md. Criminal Code §3-402 the penalty is not to exceed fifteen years imprisonment.
If you are charged and found guilty of robbery with a dangerous weapon, the penalty can be up to twenty years in prison. Meanwhile, carjacking which is defined as the unauthorized possession or control of a motor vehicle from another individual by force or violence carries the severest punishment.
If you are convicted of carjacking, you could be facing up to thirty years in prison. Robbery charges are not to be taken lightly when your future could be on the line. Call a Baltimore robbery lawyer to discuss your options.

Is Robbery a Felony in Maryland?

Yes, according the Maryland Criminal Laws, robbery and armed robbery are classified as a felony.

Possible Defenses to Robbery and Armed Robbery Charges

A criminal defendant may be able to assert some or all of the following defenses in response to a robbery or armed robbery charge:

  • Duress
  • Entrapment
  • Improper or illegal search and seizure
  • Police misconduct
  • Inability of the alleged victim to correctly identify the suspect

Our Baltimore Robbery Attorneys Can Help

One of the most common defenses to robbery is to highlight that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the robbery. If there is a lack of DNA or fingerprints at the crime scene, then that may raise reasonable doubt to who committed the robbery.  If there are witnesses to the crime scene, it may also be possible to raise doubt as to the accuracy of their testimony.
If you decide not to go to trial, you may also accept a plea deal. Sometimes the evidence is overwhelmingly against you, which may lead to a desire to just plead guilty for a lesser sentence. All of these options can be discussed with your Baltimore robbery lawyer.
If you are under investigation or have been arrested for robbery, you need an attorney. At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we offer free consultations to discuss the facts of your case and determine possible options for you. So, if you are facing robbery charges, do not try to fight them alone. Call a Baltimore Robbery lawyer immediately.

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