Robbery / Aggravated Robbery

A robbery or aggravated robbery charge in the state of Arizona is a serious offense that comes with social, professional and financial consequences. Robbery is different from a burglary offense in that the use of force or causing another person fear in order to gain control of property are essential elements to the offense, which make it more personal in nature, and thus is viewed more harshly by the legal system.

Considering the severity of a robbery charge in Maricopa County, it is important to stay well informed with regard to your rights. It is vital to consult with an Arizona criminal defense attorney who has the resources to fight for you and your rights.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a robbery or aggravated robbery offense in Arizona, specifically in the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, or Scottsdale, you need an experienced and qualified lawyer who understands the laws that were allegedly broken and will argue your case in an efficient and effective manner. James Novak of the Law Offices of James E. Novak will provide a competent and aggressive defense for you. Call the Law Offices of James Novak today at (480) 413-1499 for a free consultation.

According to the Arizona Revised Statutes §13.1902:

• A person commits robbery if in the course of taking any property of another against his will, that person threatens or uses force with the intent either to coerce surrender of property or to prevent resistance.

The specific definitions of words included in robbery and aggravated robbery statutes in Arizona are as follows:

• "Force" means any physical act directed against a person as a means of gaining control of property.
• "In the course of committing" includes any of the defendant's acts beginning with the initiation and extending through the flight from a robbery.
• "Property of another" means property of another as defined in section 13-1801.
• "Threat" means a verbal or physical menace of imminent physical injury to a person.

A robbery offense can become an aggravated robbery, according to ARS §13.1903 when:

• One or more accomplices who are physically present during the robbery help the defendant commit the criminal act;
• There is grievous bodily harm involved in the robbery; or
• If a weapon is used during the commission of the robbery, which is also known as armed robbery.

Robbery in the state of Arizona is generally punishable as a felony offense. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense, an alleged offender can be charged with robbery, aggravated robbery or armed robbery.

According to ARS § 13.1902, a basic robbery offense is generally a class 4 felony, which can result in the following punishments:

• First time offender - 1 to 3.75 years in prison and/or $750 to $150,000 in fines; probation eligible
• Second time offender – 2.25 to 7.5 years in prison and/or $750 to $150,000 in fines; not eligible for probation
• Third time offender – 6 to 15 years in prison and/or $750 to $150,000 in fines; not eligible for probation

Aggravated Robbery is classified under ARS § 13.1903 as a class 3 felony, which can result in the following penalties:

• First offense – 2 to 8.75 years in prison and/or $750 to $150,000 in fines; probation eligible
• Second offense – 2.25 to 7.5 years in prison and/or $750 to $150,000 in fines; not eligible for probation
• Third offense – 6 to 15 years in prison and/or $750 to- $150,000 in fines; not eligible for probation

Whether you have been charged with robbery in Glendale or aggravated robbery in Chandler, failure to take the time to research and find a capable Arizona criminal defense lawyer has the potential to bring negative implications with regards to the outcome and sentencing of your alleged offense. James E. Novak is an experienced criminal defense attorney who has represented individuals in similar cases for the past ten years. He will use this knowledge and understanding of the inner workings of the Arizona legal system to make every effort to put you in a favorable position. If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery or aggravated robbery in Maricopa County, call the Law Offices of James E. Novak at (480) 413-1499 for a free consultation or send a message online.