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Armed Robbery

Armed robbery is a serious criminal offense in the state of Florida, and those convicted of this crime can face significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. In this article, we will take a closer look at armed robbery charges in Florida, including what constitutes armed robbery, the potential penalties for conviction, and possible defenses that can be used against these charges.


Definition of Armed Robbery 


Armed robbery is a specific type of robbery that involves the use of a weapon, such as a gun or a knife. According to Florida Statute 812.13, armed robbery occurs when a person commits robbery while carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon. Robbery is defined as the taking of money or property from someone else using force, violence, or threats. In other words, armed robbery involves using a weapon to steal from another person.


Penalties for Armed Robbery in Florida


If you are charged with armed robbery in Florida, you will face a long and complex legal process. The first step will be your arraignment, where you will be informed of the charges against you and asked to enter a plea. At this stage, it's critical to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to help you understand your legal options and navigate the legal process.


If you plead guilty or are found guilty of armed robbery, you will face a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years in prison. However, the actual sentence you receive will depend on several factors, including the circumstances of the crime, your criminal record, and the judge's discretion. In some cases, a plea bargain may be an option, which can reduce your sentence and potentially avoid a trial.


One of the most significant factors that will determine the severity of your sentence is whether or not you used a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime. If you did use a weapon, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison. Additionally, if you discharged a firearm during the robbery, you will face a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison, which means you will serve at least 20 years before you are eligible for parole.


Another important factor that can impact your sentence is your criminal history. If you have prior felony convictions, you may face enhanced penalties, including a longer prison sentence. Additionally, if you were on probation or parole at the time of the armed robbery, you could face additional legal consequences.


It's also worth noting that Florida has a "10-20-Life" law that imposes minimum mandatory sentences for crimes committed with a firearm. Under this law, if you use a firearm during the commission of a crime, you will face a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison. If you discharge a firearm during the crime, you will face a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison. And if someone is injured or killed during the crime, you will face a mandatory life sentence.


Defenses Strategies Against Armed Robbery Charges


If you have been charged with armed robbery in Florida, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you build a strong defense against these charges and work to protect your rights and freedoms.

One possible defense against armed robbery charges is mistaken identity. If the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the person who committed the crime, your attorney may be able to argue that you have been wrongly accused.


Another possible defense is lack of intent. In order to be convicted of armed robbery, the prosecution must prove that you intended to use force or violence to take property from another person. If your attorney can demonstrate that you did not have this intent, you may be able to avoid conviction.

Finally, self-defense may be a viable defense in some armed robbery cases. If you were acting in self-defense, or if you believed that you were in danger and needed to protect yourself, your attorney may be able to argue that your actions were justified.


Speak with a Kissimmee Criminal Defense Attorney Today


Armed robbery is a serious criminal offense in Florida, and those convicted of this crime face significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. If you have been charged with armed robbery, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible to protect your rights and freedoms. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you build a strong defense against these charges and work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. The attorneys at Hanlon Law have invaluable experience defending those accused of armed robbery. We are committed to protecting our clients rights by investigating the circumstances of our client’s arrests, the police evidence against them, and any other factors that may help in their defense. 


If you are facing armed robbery charges in Kissimmee, Florida, contact the attorneys at Hanlon Law today to protect your future.

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