Robbery with a Firearm Defense Lawyers in Central Florida

Defending Clients from Severe Criminal Penalties

Under Florida law, committing a robbery with a firearm is a first-degree felony. First-degree felony charges carry severe penalties, up to and including life imprisonment. Even if the weapon was not used during the crime, simply having it on your person while the robbery was committed can cause you to receive armed robbery charges. Unfortunately, these charges can negatively impact your life in many ways.

If you have been charged with robbery with a firearm, consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best way to protect yourself. At The Defense Group, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients to reduce or remove the penalties they are facing. Once you call us, we will immediately begin building your defense case against the prosecution, using facts from your charges and your criminal history for assistance.

Please don’t feel like you must navigate these severe criminal charges on your own. Contact our law office today for a free consultation by calling 407-743-8430.

What is Florida Law Regarding Robbery With a Firearm?

The definition of robbery with a firearm is defined under Florida Statute 812.13(1)-(2)a. The statute states that when an individual uses violence, assault, or force to take money or property from another person, it counts as robbery with a firearm. Even the threat of such an action can count as armed robbery charges. Using the weapon in question is not necessary to receive robbery with firearm charges.

For instance, if you threaten to hurt someone if they don’t hand over their money and then are arrested with a gun on your person, you can be charged with armed robbery. Even if you never intended to use the weapon or even threatened to use the weapon, the mere fact that you had it on you is enough to charge you with a first-degree felony under Florida law. Because of this, it is essential to consult an experienced attorney on our team to avoid a permanent criminal record.

What Are the Penalties for Robbery With a Firearm?

In Florida, committing a robbery with a firearm is a Level 9 offense. The alleged crime can carry severe penalties, even if you are a first-time offender.

Below are the potential penalties for robbery with a firearm:

Life in prison
Life on probation
Fines of up to $15,000

Because robbery with a firearm is a felony offense, a conviction on your record can impact you in many ways, even after your prison sentence. Many hiring managers are hesitant to interview or hire convicted felons, making getting a job difficult. Similarly, landlords and property managers sometimes prevent convicted felons from applying for housing.

If you are convicted of possessing a firearm while committing a robbery, the 10/20/Life statute may affect your sentence. If you are convicted of robbery with a firearm, you could receive one of the following mandatory sentences:

Ten-year minimum sentence for possession of a firearm
20-year minimum sentence if you fired the firearm
25-year minimum prison sentence if you injured or killed someone with the firearm

The number of firearms used while committing the crime will also impact the theft charges.

How Do You Defend Against Robbery With a Firearm Charges?

Florida robbery charges are serious and can carry severe penalties. Our team is prepared to fight aggressively for your defense. While your specific defense strategy will depend on the nature of your charges and your criminal history, there are some common defenses our team may rely on.

The following defense strategies may be relevant to your criminal case:

Afterthought Defense

Robbery is defined as using force or threats to take property. If you used threats or force for a different purpose and then took the property as an afterthought, then technically, no robbery was committed.

Claim of Right

If you have a good-faith belief that you are the rightful owner of the property, some courts maintain that you cannot be convicted of robbery. There is no criminal intent if you truly believe that the property is yours when you take it.

Motion to Suppress

During a motion to suppress, our team will request that the court exclude certain information or evidence from being presented during your trial. We can argue that the evidence was obtained in violation of your rights, which will weaken the prosecution’s case.

Alibi Defense

Perhaps you were somewhere else while the crime of robbery was committed. A case of mistaken identity is a powerful defense strategy if your alibi is solid.

How Can a Defense Attorney Help Me?

An armed robbery conviction has the potential to impact your life in many ways. Life in prison, life on probation, and expensive fines are all possibilities. If you are convicted, you will most certainly have a permanent criminal record that follows you around for life.

Our team of criminal defense attorneys is here to help you avoid these severe penalties. The complex nature of a robbery charge requires extensive knowledge of criminal defense. With our years of experience, we are confident that we can reduce or remove the penalties you are facing.

Please don’t feel like you must defend yourself against these charges on your own. Our team at The Defense Group will talk with you free of charge to learn more about your case and the charges you are facing. We will then craft a legal defense strategy to negotiate with the prosecution or defend you before a judge in court. Contact our law office today by calling 407-743-8430.