Ridgefield Robbery Lawyer
While any allegation that you unlawfully took someone else’s property is a serious matter, accusations that you specifically committed robbery are more serious than standard larceny. Even if you have no prior criminal record, a single conviction for this violent felony will almost always result in prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and various other sanctions, which will likely include the permanent loss of certain civil privileges.
With that said, you still have a right to defend yourself against this sort of charge in court, and you have help available from experienced private defense attorneys in building the strongest possible defense. With a Ridgefield robbery lawyer from Mark Sherman Law by your side, you will have far better chances of securing a favorable case resolution than you would likely ever get with a public defender or by representing yourself.
What Makes “Robbery” Different From Larceny?
Larceny and robbery both involve taking property that doesn’t belong to you. Robbery goes one step further than larceny and requires the use or threatened use of force upon a person while taking the property.
The definition of robbery can be found in Connecticut General Statutes (“C.G.S.”) § 53a-133. The statutes then go on to define three levels of robbery: first, second, and third degree.
Understanding Different “Degrees” of Robbery Offenses
The least serious class of robbery can be found in C.G.S. § 53a-136, the statute for Robbery in the Third Degree. Though this is the least serious category of robbery, it is still a a Class D offense carrying maximum sentences upon conviction of five years’ imprisonment and $5,000 in fines.
C.G.S. § 53a-135 defines Robbery in the Second Degree as committing robbery with help from someone else physically present during the commission of the offense or while displaying and/or threatening to use something they claim is a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument. Someone can also be charged under this statute if they threaten a bank or credit employee while committing Larceny from that institution. Either way, the offense is a Class C felony carrying a mandatory minimum—meaning ineligible to be suspended or revoked by a judge under any circumstances—prison term of one year up to a maximum of ten years, plus a maximum of $10,000 in fines.
Finally, Robbery in the First Degree—a class B felony—is defined under C.G.S. § 53a-134 as someone doing any of the following while committing or fleeing the scene of a Robbery:
- Causing serious physical injury to any person not participating in the crime;
- Being armed with a deadly weapon;
- Using or threatening to use a dangerous instrument; and/or
- Displaying or threatening the use of something they claim is a firearm capable of discharging a shot.
A qualified lawyer’s help can be especially crucial to minimizing the sanctions associated with this type of Robbery in Ridgefield, which may include a mandatory minimum five-year prison term under certain circumstances up to a maximum twenty-year term and $15,000 in fines.
Get Help From a Ridgefield Robbery Attorney
Regardless of what led to you being criminally charged with Robbery, it is important that you act quickly now to protect your rights as well as your future. Fortunately, you have help with handling all of the legal and personal aspects of your criminal case from someone who has handled situations like yours effectively and efficiently in the past.
A conversation with a Ridgefield Robbery lawyer can provide answers to important questions and preliminary guidance about the next steps. Call Mark Sherman Law to start working on your case, or see what past clients have said about working with us by clicking here and checking our Avvo.com profile.