Thatcher Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer

Being accused of armed robbery can leave you feeling hopeless and unsure of what your future might look like. By working with a Thatcher armed robbery defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, we can help you protect your rights and face the charges against you. 

With over 30 years of trial experience, your Thatcher theft crimes lawyer is prepared to fight the charges against you.

Armed Robbery Penalties Could Dramatically Impact Your Life

A conviction for armed robbery in Arizona carries life-altering consequences. As a Class 2 felony, a first-time offender faces a prison sentence ranging from 7 to 21 years. If aggravating factors, such as prior convictions, are present, the sentence could increase significantly. Fines and restitution may also apply, with defendants expected to pay up to $150,000 in fines, not including additional court fees and victim restitution.

Repeat offenders or those involved in armed robbery with serious bodily harm to the victim may face even harsher penalties, including potential life imprisonment. Probation is typically not an option for these cases, further emphasizing the gravity of the charges. If you are facing armed robbery allegations, working with a Thatcher criminal defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices could be crucial to protecting your freedom and future.

The Burden of Proof Is Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Prosecutors in armed robbery cases must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Arizona Judicial Branch. This means that the evidence presented must leave no reasonable uncertainty in the minds of the jury regarding the defendant’s guilt. Under Arizona law, the key elements of armed robbery include:

• Intent to commit theft. The prosecution must demonstrate that you intended to take property that did not belong to you.
• Use of force or threat of force. The act must involve violence or intimidation against the victim.
• Possession of a weapon. A weapon or object perceived as a weapon must have been present during the offense.

What Happens After You are Arrested for Suspicion of Armed Robbery

Being arrested for armed robbery is a serious matter that initiates a complex legal process. Understanding what happens next can help you prepare for the challenges ahead. From booking to pretrial hearings, each step in the process plays a critical role in determining the outcome of your case:

1. You will be booked into jail. Law enforcement officers will document your arrest, take your fingerprints, and record your personal information. 
2. You will be informed of the charges against you. Police will explain the specific allegations, such as armed robbery, and provide an overview of the evidence supporting their claims.
3. You will have a bail hearing. A judge will determine whether you are eligible for bail based on factors like the severity of the crime and your criminal history.
4. You may be held in custody pending trial. If bail is denied or set at an amount you cannot afford, you may remain in jail until your court date.
5. You will attend an arraignment. During this hearing, you will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest to the charges against you.
6. You will begin preparing for your defense. Your attorney will gather evidence, review police reports, and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
7. Pretrial hearings will be scheduled. These hearings may address procedural matters, plea negotiations, or motions to suppress evidence.
8. Your case may proceed to trial. If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will go before a jury, where the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If bail is granted, the amount may be substantial due to the severity of armed robbery charges. Many defendants find it difficult to afford bail and may need to remain in custody until their trial. If you cannot secure bail, your Thatcher armed robbery defense attorney can advocate for your release under less restrictive conditions, such as supervised monitoring or house arrest.

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We Can Help You Choose the Right Defense Strategy

Facing an armed robbery charge in Arizona can feel overwhelming, but selecting the right defense strategy is a critical first step. Depending on your case’s specific details, options may include challenging the evidence, negotiating a plea agreement, or pursuing pretrial diversion if eligible. 

Check out our client reviews to learn more about how we can help you clear your name so an armed robbery conviction does not haunt you forever.

Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence

A common defense strategy is to dispute the prosecution’s evidence and demonstrate reasonable doubt. Your attorney may question the reliability of witness testimony, challenge the legality of the evidence collection process, or highlight inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case. By casting doubt on the key elements of the charge, you can strengthen your defense.

• Cross-examine witnesses to uncover bias or inconsistencies in their accounts
• Investigate whether law enforcement followed proper protocols during your arrest or evidence collection
• Challenge the accuracy of forensic analysis, such as fingerprint or DNA results

Presenting an Alibi

If you have proof you were elsewhere during the alleged armed robbery, presenting an alibi can be a powerful defense. An alibi can include security footage, time-stamped receipts, or testimony from credible witnesses. Providing solid evidence of your whereabouts can weaken the prosecution’s claims and reinforce your innocence.

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Reach Out to an Experienced Armed Robbery Defense Attorney in Thatcher for Help Today

With your freedom and future on the line, you need an armed robbery defense lawyer in Thatcher with Suzuki Law Offices you can trust. Our team of former prosecutors knows the intimate details of Arizona’s criminal justice system. 

Connect with our law firm through our secure contact form or call our office 24/7 to schedule a confidential case evaluation. 

Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form