Being charged with any type of criminal offense can turn your world upside down. However, if you are accused of committing a violent crime like armed robbery, the penalties you face could be far more severe than you initially expected. With your future in jeopardy, it is crucial that you take your defense strategy seriously.
With the support of a reputable Tempe armed robbery defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, you can challenge the claims against you and present a compelling defense. You need a highly experienced Tempe theft crime defense lawyer to help you clear your name.
With our team of former prosecutors on your side, you can get the insight you need to secure an acquittal or negotiate a plea agreement that allows you to get home to your family sooner.
Armed Robbery Charges in Tempe
Holding a gun to someone’s back and stealing their purse or briefcase, brandishing a knife to steal someone’s cell phone or purse, or telling someone you have a deadly weapon to deprive them of their property are all examples of armed robbery. For the prosecutor to be successful, they will need to show that the elements of the offense have been met. They must prove that you committed the crime and threatened to use force to take someone else’s property.
This does not only include guns or knives. Any type of object that could be used as a means of causing serious bodily injury or death could be considered a deadly weapon. This might include a BB gun, a tire iron, a vehicle, or even a glass bottle, for example, and a Tempe criminal defense lawyer can help you.
Armed robbery is one of the most serious crimes you can be accused of in Arizona. Under Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1904, you could be charged with armed robbery if you attempt to rob someone while threatening to use, or using a deadly weapon, simulated deadly weapon, or dangerous instrument. This is generally tried as a class two felony offense per ARS §13-702, similar to aggravated robbery, robbery, and manslaughter offenses.
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Get StartedStacked Criminal Charges May Apply
If you are charged with armed robbery, chances are you will also be charged with additional criminal offenses. When you face stacked criminal charges, the penalties you face could be far worse, especially if the judge orders your sentences to be served consecutively instead of concurrently. Some offenses related to armed robbery that you could also be charged with include aggravated assault, second-degree burglary, and theft.
Aggravated Assault
You can be charged with aggravated assault under ARS §13–1204. You could be accused of committing this crime if you assault someone else and aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a deadly weapon. Generally, these charges will only apply alongside the armed robbery offense if you commit armed robbery and subsequently assault the alleged victim with the weapon that was used while committing the armed robbery.
2nd-Degree Burglary
Second-degree burglary charges may apply under ARS §13–1507. If you enter a residential environment with the intent to commit a felony or theft, you may be charged with second-degree burglary. Your charges could be elevated to a first-degree burglary offense if you entered the same environment with the intent to commit a theft or felony while in possession of a dangerous instrument, deadly weapon, or explosives.
Theft
Theft charges under ARS §13-1802 involve taking property with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. You do not need to use a deadly weapon to be accused of theft. You can also be charged with theft if you enlist someone’s services and fail to pay them as agreed.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Consequences of an Armed Robbery Conviction in Tempe
Since armed robbery is tried as a class two felony offense, the penalties you face will be severe. If convicted, you could spend up to 12.5 years in an Arizona state prison. If your armed robbery conviction is classified as a dangerous offense per ARS §13-105, penalties could increase to as much as 21 years in prison.
Do Not Discount Collateral Consequences
Not only could you face time in prison and considerable fines if you are found guilty of a class two felony, but the collateral consequences will surely impact you for the rest of your life. With an armed robbery conviction on your record and being known as a convicted felon, your job prospects may be weak at best.
It may be more difficult for you to find housing, maintain a strong relationship with your children, friends, or family, and otherwise put this experience behind you if you do not get help from a skilled Tempe armed robbery defense attorney.
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You Have the Right to Defend Yourself When Accused of Armed Robbery
Even if the state’s case against you is strong, it may be in your best interest to work with a Tempe violent crimes lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices who can help you secure the most favorable outcome possible. After reviewing the state’s case, your criminal defense lawyer can challenge the evidence against you and will have a better idea of which defense strategies are most likely to result in your acquittal. Some popular defenses to armed robbery include:
- No use of or threatened use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- There was a mistake or mistaken identity
- The state’s evidence was obtained during an unlawful search and seizure
These are only a few potential defense strategies you could use to clear your name. Your armed robbery defense lawyer in Tempe may also consider a plea bargain in our discussions with the district attorney. Alternative sentencing options may be advised if the criminal penalties are particularly severe.
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Get Help from a Leading Tempe Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer
Being accused of armed robbery can destroy your reputation, strip you of your liberties, and forever alter the course of your life. With penalties this harsh, dodging a conviction has never been more important.
Do not trust your defense strategy to an overworked and underpaid public defender when you have the means to enlist the services of a zealous armed robbery defense attorney in Tempe to present a powerful defense at trial.
Suzuki Law Offices has been advocating for the innocent and defending the accused for decades. When you recognize the severity of the charges against you and are unsure of what your next steps should be, look to our legal team to discuss the specific circumstances of your case during a confidential consultation. Fill out our secured contact form or call us to get started as soon as today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form