ROBBERY CHARGES UNDER FLORIDA LAW

What does Florida law define as robbery?
Far more serious than theft because of the element of force or violence, robbery is prohibited under FSS 812.13, set out below:

812.13 Robbery.
(1) “Robbery” means the taking of money or other property which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another, with intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person or the owner of the money or other property, when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.

(2)(a) If in the course of committing the robbery the offender carried a firearm or other deadly weapon, then the robbery is a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment or as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(b) If in the course of committing the robbery the offender carried a weapon, then the robbery is a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c) If in the course of committing the robbery the offender carried no firearm, deadly weapon, or other weapon, then the robbery is a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(3)(a) An act shall be deemed “in the course of committing the robbery” if it occurs in an attempt to commit robbery or in flight after the attempt or commission.
(b) An act shall be deemed “in the course of the taking” if it occurs either prior to, contemporaneous with, or subsequent to the taking of the property and if it and the act of taking constitute a continuous series of acts or events.

Robbery Charges Require A Strong Defense
Robbery is both a crime of “moral turpitude” (like theft, it speaks about your character) and a crime of violence. Judges tend to be severe in their sentencing of persons convicted of robbery. Depending on the circumstances, you could wind up spending the rest of your life in prison for a robbery. Never speak to the police about such offenses unless you have us with you by your side. Call one of our two locations at 407 743 8430 or 407 743 8430, for a prompt and  free consultation with an experienced Central Florida criminal defense attorney at The Defense Group. We are available 24 hours a day for your emergency needs, and appointments can be arranged for nights or weekends if necessary.