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Los Angeles Robbery Attorney

The term robbery is used within the criminal justice system and California Penal Code to describe the stealing of property. However, robbery is differentiated from other forms of theft and burglary in that it goes beyond the simple act of taking property and involves the use of threat or force to accomplish the crime. Robbery can take place in public, private, or commercial settings. No matter the location, the legal consequences of robbery are harsh and may include probation, lengthy prison terms, and significant fines.

It’s important to understand how serious a robbery charge is in California. Robbery is a felony, and operating under the “three strikes rule,” a third felony conviction results in a mandatory prison sentence. Thus, the potential consequences of being convicted of robbery are high, especially if the crime involved violence or was committed in connection with another crime. For the best possible chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your robbery trial, you need to hire an experienced Los Angeles robbery defense lawyer today. The team at Stein & Markus has helped hundreds of individuals accused of robbery, and we can provide the most effective defense possible to fight your robbery charges.

Do I Need a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney?

Of course, it is possible for the police to arrest people without enough evidence. Sometimes, the authorities’ only evidence is shaky, so you may think it would be best to defend yourself. Or, you may believe your confession has effectively eliminated your chances of reducing your charges. However, a skilled defense lawyer can help you build an effective argument and even get a confession thrown out if it was not received under the proper circumstances. You are entitled to have an attorney present during questioning, but if the police don’t let you contact your lawyer, your confession may not be admissible later in court. Without your statement, the prosecution might not be able to prove its case.

Regardless of your circumstances, you need an experienced defense lawyer by your side when you face serious robbery charges. Your criminal defense attorney will carefully review the evidence and determine how best to discredit or explain the prosecution’s case.

The value a Los Angeles robbery attorney can provide to your case is substantial. Services your attorney offers should include:

  • Assistance in creating a strong defense strategy to reduce or dismiss a charge.
  • Representing you in court during all proceedings, including bail hearings and preliminary hearings.
  • Appealing bail decisions or bail amounts.
  • Protecting your legal rights from the beginning of a case to end.
  • Negotiating with the prosecution.

In a robbery case in Los Angeles County, we can also guide you through the local process step by step, from your first appearance at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center or another county courthouse through pretrial motions and, if necessary, trial. We can explain how local judges and prosecutors often approach issues like bail, plea offers, and sentencing so you understand the practical choices in front of you rather than feeling left in the dark.

It’s clear that to secure your future, you should never handle robbery charges alone. Consult with a Los Angeles robbery defense lawyer from Stein & Markus today. We can help you limit the damage and protect your legal rights.

How a Los Angeles Robbery Case Typically Proceeds

When you or a loved one is arrested on suspicion of robbery in Los Angeles, it helps to know what the legal process usually looks like so you are not caught off guard. After the arrest, the case is referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office or City Attorney for a filing decision, and you will usually have an arraignment where charges are formally read and bail is addressed. From there, most felony robbery cases proceed through a series of pretrial hearings where evidence is exchanged, legal motions are argued, and any potential plea negotiations are discussed with the court.

Our team works with you at each stage to prepare you for what will happen in court, whether your case is set at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center downtown, the Bellflower Courthouse, or another Los Angeles County location. We help you understand the difference between early settlement conferences, preliminary hearings, and trial dates so that you can make thoughtful choices about offers, motions, and whether to have a jury decide the case. By breaking the process into clear steps, a robbery attorney Los Angeles residents can turn to for guidance can reduce the stress and confusion that often come with a serious felony charge.

What Is the Punishment for Robbery in LA, California?

The punishment for robbery in California can vary, as there are several types of robbery offenses. Each has different penalties, but the primary distinction is whether weapons were involved. These are common robbery charges and their penalties:

  • Simple Robbery—As the lowest-level robbery offense, simple robbery is committed without a weapon or even the threat of using a weapon. To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove the victim feared the defendant due to some gesture or statement. A simple robbery conviction may result in probation, fines, and up to one year in jail.
  • Robbery with a Firearm—The most serious robbery charge is armed robbery, which involves the use or threatened use of a firearm or other weapon while taking property. There are three levels of armed robbery in California, each with its own penalty range based on the circumstances involved in the crime. Armed robbery is punishable by three to six years in state prison.
  • Robbery with a Deadly Weapon—The use or threatened use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a robbery is considered armed robbery with a deadly weapon. As defined by California law, a deadly weapon is any object that is deadly or dangerous and used in such a way that it can cause death or severe bodily injury. If the victim suffers a significant or substantial physical injury, you may be charged with robbery with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury. This is a felony charge that can carry a penalty of two to five years in state prison, with longer terms possible if the victim is substantially hurt.
  • Robbery with Special Circumstances—A special circumstances allegation increases the severity of the crime and its potential penalties. A robbery offense may qualify as a special circumstances allegation if it involved the use or threatened use of a gang, great bodily injury, or firearm under certain conditions.

When you face these types of charges, it can be confusing to understand how the Penal Code, sentencing ranges, enhancements, and California’s three strikes law all interact in a real case. We can help you see how prior convictions, alleged gang involvement, or accusations that the offense happened in concert with others may change your exposure so that you can make informed decisions about whether to negotiate or proceed to trial.

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What Should I Do If I’m Accused of Theft?

If you are arrested and accused of committing a robbery, follow these essential tips:

  • Do not make any official statements to the police. The reason for this is simple: anything you say can be used against you in court. If police approach you for questioning about a robbery, it’s important that you exercise your right to remain silent until you can have your attorney present. If this is not possible, speak with a Los Angeles robbery defense lawyer before answering any questions or giving any statements.
  • Be smart. If you are not sure of the best course of action, then do nothing until you have a chance to speak with a lawyer.
  • Stop. If you are already accused of robbery, do not make your situation worse by committing additional crimes. Fight the charges against you and be vigilant against breaking the law further.
  • Do not try to handle things on your own. If you face robbery charges, you need an experienced professional to help you. This is a complex area of criminal law, and you need someone with the necessary skills and experience to fight for your freedom.
  • Do not sign anything. Read any statement or document given to you, but do not sign it until you have had a chance to review your options with an experienced Los Angeles robbery defense attorney.

Contact Stein & Markus Today

Los Angeles robbery defense attorneys know that anyone can become a victim of robbery under the right circumstances. They also know that falsely accused individuals are also victims, this time of either misidentification or malice on the part of the accuser. The facts of every robbery case are unique and require in-depth analysis by expert counsel to construct a formidable defense.

If you have been accused of robbery in Los Angeles County, contact a criminal defense lawyer from Stein & Markus immediately. We have over twenty years of experience defending robbery cases. We are committed to protecting your rights and fighting for your freedom.

When you reach out to us after an arrest, we can quickly explain what to expect at your first court date, help you and your family address bail, and begin gathering records, video, and witness information while events are still fresh. We work closely with clients across Los Angeles, from Bellflower to downtown, to make sure you understand each stage of the case and can participate fully in decisions about negotiation, filing legal motions, or preparing for trial.

Have you been charged with a robbery crime in Southern California? Call The Law Office of Stein & Markus in Bellflower to talk to a skilled defense lawyer about your legal options. Reach us at (562) 512-7030 or contact us online today. Your initial consultation is free.

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Why Choose Stein & Markus?

What Makes Us Different
  • We Provide Free Consultations
    Talk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.
  • Work with a Former Prosecutor
    Our prosecutor turned defense attorney is ready to protect you!
  • Hablamos Español
    Work with a criminal defense attorney who speaks your language.
  • 24/7 Help Available
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