Violent crimes are some of the most serious criminal allegations you can face. Armed robbery involves the commission of a robbery with the use or threat of a deadly weapon, which is considered a Class 2 felony. The penalties that come with a guilty verdict may be profound and impact virtually every aspect of your life.
Fortunately, you are innocent until proven guilty. With help from a top-rated Mesa armed robbery defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, you can present the strongest defense strategy possible based on the circumstances of your case. Your trial-proven Phoenix theft crime defense lawyer with our firm is available 24/7 to help you through some of the most difficult times in your life. Contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation today and discuss potential defense options.
Insight from Former Prosecutors
Talk to a Mesa criminal defense lawyer today. You could be charged with armed robbery under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1904 if you are accused of robbing someone while threatening to use or using a deadly weapon or simulated deadly weapon. This is considered a Class 2 felony.
Items that could be considered “deadly weapons” include:
- BB guns
- Airsoft guns
- Firearms
- Glass bottles
- Knives
- Cars
- Baseball bats
- Tire irons
Preparing Yourself for a Conviction
Even with the most powerful criminal defense attorney on your side, it is always important to prepare for the worst when you are facing criminal charges. If you are convicted of a Class 2 armed robbery offense, you could face up to 12.5 years in an Arizona state prison. If your armed robbery is classified as a “dangerous offense” per ARS 13-105, the maximum amount of time you could spend in prison is 21 years unless your criminal defense lawyer can negotiate a plea deal.
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Get StartedMesa Armed Robbery Defense FAQ
Is Armed Robbery a Wobbler?
No, armed robbery is not considered a wobbler offense. A wobbler crime is one that can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony based on the specific circumstances of your case. If you are accused of committing a robbery with a deadly weapon or the threat of a deadly weapon, this is an automatic Class 2 felony offense.
That does not mean your armed robbery lawyer in Mesa will not be able to negotiate your charges down by speaking with the district attorney handling your case. We will review the specific circumstances of the charges and prepare to challenge the state’s evidence against you to determine how to best approach these negotiations. Your Mesa armed robbery defense attorney may be able to convince the prosecutor to reduce your charges down to a less serious offense which could result in less severe criminal penalties.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for an Armed Robbery Charge in Mesa?
According to ARS §13-107, the statute of limitations for armed robbery is seven years from the date of the incident. This is because Class 2 felonies have a seven-year statute of limitations deadline. If the statute of limitations passes and the prosecutor has not filed formal criminal charges against you, we may be able to get your case dismissed during pre-trial motions.
It is also important to keep in mind that there are some situations in which the statute of limitations could be extended. If you leave the state, the statute of limitations will not start counting down until you return. If law enforcement officials do not know who committed the armed robbery, the statute of limitations will not start counting down until the offender’s identity is uncovered.
What Is the Difference Between Armed Robbery and Theft in Arizona?
The primary difference between armed robbery and theft is that armed robbery involves the threat or use of a deadly weapon. Conversely, theft involves taking someone else’s property without their permission. Generally, there is no intimidation, threat, or use of force.
Theft convictions also carry less severe penalties. If you are found guilty of theft of property that is valued at less than $1,000 under ARS §13-1802, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and six months in jail. Conversely, you could spend more than a decade in prison and pay $150,000 in fines if convicted of a Class 2 felony in Arizona.
What Are the Requirements for Expungement After an Armed Robbery Conviction?
Under Arizona Revised Statute §13-911, you may be able to get your armed robbery conviction expunged. The state of Arizona did not always recognize formal expungement but instead allowed convictions to be “set aside“ after the waiting period had passed. As of January 2023, through Senate Bill 1294, certain individuals may be able to qualify for record sealing, which effectively erases convictions from public view.
However, not everyone will meet the eligibility requirements. If you are not sure whether you qualify, do not hesitate to consult a Mesa armed robbery defense attorney with our firm to discuss your options. You may be eligible for record sealing if:
- You were arrested for suspicion of armed robbery, but no formal charges were filed against you.
- You were charged with armed robbery but were found not guilty, or the charges were dismissed.
- You were convicted of armed robbery but have completed the imposed terms and sentence.
Does Armed Robbery Carry a Mandatory Minimum Sentence?
Yes, armed robbery has a mandatory minimum prison sentence per the Supreme Court State of Arizona Criminal Code Sentencing Provisions. If convicted, you could spend up to 21 years in prison. However, the mandatory minimum term is 12 1/2 years for a first offense.
Abogado cerca de míGet Help from a Premier Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer in Mesa Today
The armed robbery charges against you may carry severe criminal penalties that continue to affect you for the rest of your life. When the stakes are this high, and your freedom is on the line, hiring a private armed robbery defense attorney in Mesa from Suzuki Law Offices may be the best way to safeguard your future. With our firm handling your defense, you can feel confident in your approach.
As a team of former federal prosecutors, we know all too well how the district attorney may approach your case. Let us put our insight and legal experience to work for you and your family. Fill out our online contact form or call us to schedule your confidential consultation as soon as today.
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