Robbery is a term that may refer to a variety of crimes in Florida. It also could be called Strong Arm Robbery if force is involved. Robbery is usually treated as a serious offense in Florida, and in many cases, it will carry felony charges. Alternatively, some types of robbery may be considered federal offenses. This means that they can carry steep penalties and lengthy prison sentences. Robbery occurs when someone unlawfully and intentionally takes property or money from another individual or establishment by use of force, threat, or violence. Florida criminalizes the following types of robbery: Strong Arm robbery, Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery with a Firearm, Home Invasion Robbery, and Carjacking. If you have been charged with related crimes or believe that you may face allegations, retaining a Fort Lauderdale robbery defense lawyer ASAP is essential.
At Joffe Law, P.A., we know the importance of protecting your rights and freedoms. Our criminal attorneys are familiar with the legal process that follows charges of theft and robbery related offenses, even on a federal level. Our legal team of seasoned experts has decades of experience defending the legal rights of individuals in Fort Lauderdale. Because robbery is an umbrella term that covers many different crimes, it’s important to know which criminal activities fall under the category of robbery.
When is robbery a federal crime in Florida?
Federal robbery is a serious crime with penalties that are significantly worse than those imposed on state cases. While in many cases, robbery is considered a state crime with Class 6 Felony Charges, in some cases, robbery may also be classified as a federal offense. The most common form of federal robbery is a bank robbery. This includes any robbery of a credit union, bank, banking institution, or even an ATM. Robberies that impact articles of commerce with interstate roots may also be considered to be federal crimes. Aggravated robbery may also fall under both federal and state jurisdictions. Federal crimes are subject to double jeopardy. This means that federal crimes usually are prosecuted state and federal levels simultaneously; individuals facing federal charges will likely also get felony penalties at a state level. If you have committed robbery in Broward County or are being accused of committing a robbery that may fall under federal jurisdiction, retaining an experienced federal defense attorney, such as the ones from Joffe Law, P.A., may be your best option.
What are the most common types?
Knowing which crimes are considered to be robbery crimes can help you determine what your next move should be. Below, we have listed some of the most common types of robbery prosecuted in Florida.
Strong arm robbery
This is a broad term used in Florida that simply refers to robbery crimes that involve the unlawful gain of money or property by means of force. the term force can include violence, threats, assault, or other means of unlawful gain. Robbery and Strong Arm Robbery are terms that in many cases are interchangeable in Florida and vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. The term robbery generally refers to non-violent robbery crimes while the term Strong Arm Robbery is usually used when force has been involved.
Robbery by sudden snatching
Robbery by Sudden Snatching falls under Florida Statute 812.131. It is a Third Degree Felony and is a Level 5 offense in the Criminal Punishment Code of Florida. Robbery by Sudden Snatching is committed when someone unlawfully and intentionally removes money or other forms of property or valuables from another person. With this crime, the state is not required to prove force or violence. This means the pick-pocketing and purse-snatching are considered to be Robbery by Sudden Snatching. This crime constitutes a Third Degree Felony and is assigned a Level 5 offense.
Robbery with a deadly weapon
Robbery with a Deadly Weapon falls under Florida Statute 812.13(1)-(2)(b) and is considered to be a First Degree Felony and is assigned a Level 8 offense. This crime is committed when someone intentionally removes money or property forcefully while in the possession of a deadly weapon. Even if the accused does not actually use the weapon during the robbery, simply having it on their person will be enough to be charged with this crime. For example, if an individual stole money from another person and had a deadly weapon concealed on them at the time, they could be charged with Robbery with a Deadly Weapon.
Robbery with a firearm
Robbery with a Firearm is different than other forms of Strong Arm Robbery only in that it involves an individual being in possession of a firearm when a robbery is committed. This crime falls under Florida Statute 812.13(1)-(2)(a) and carries First Degree Felony charges at a Level 9 offense level. This crime carries a minimum sentence of 48 months in prison. It may also carry penalties of life in prison, life on probation, and $15,000 in fines. Florida takes Robbery with a Firearm more seriously than most other states. If you have been accused of committing this crime, finding an experienced defense attorney that can defend you at both state and federal levels is paramount.
Other types of robbery
Home Invasion and Carjacking are two other common types of Robbery persecuted severely in the state of Florida. If you are facing charges for either of these crimes, the penalties may be severe.
Home Invasion Statute
Florida Statute 812.135 penalties:
- Up to thirty years in prison
- Up to thirty years of probation
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Carjacking Statute
Florida Statute 812.133 penalties:
- Up to thirty (30) years in prison
- Up to thirty (30) years of probation
- Up to $10,000 in fines
If you are facing charges related to these crimes, we recommend that you retain legal representation immediately.
Robbery attorneys by your side in Fort Lauderdale
Retaining an attorney with experience is critical to protecting your freedoms. Our team of legal experts has experience defending clients from all of the offenses listed above. If you are facing robbery charges in Fort Lauderdale or believe that you soon may face charges of robbery, don’t wait. Call Joffe Law, P.A. today. The sooner you seek legal representation, the better the outcome of your case will likely be. At Joffe Law, P.A., we can give your unique case the time and attention that it needs. With years of experience defending clients in Florida, our Fort Lauderdale robbery lawyers have the knowledge you need to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.