Long Beach

Regardless of whether you reside in Long Beach or any other nearby city in southern California, being accused of armed robbery is extremely serious. Whether the value of the property a person allegedly stole is low or high, the penalties are severe for those found guilty. At The Justice Firm, we fight vigorously on behalf of those charged with this crime, as we know the consequences of a conviction can be life-changing. Not only may you lose your freedom, your reputation, career, and future are at risk. It is imperative you choose a capable, experienced, and dedicated criminal defense attorney to ensure good results.

In California, any robbery is a felony offense, which means the defendant may face a significant prison term and permanent criminal record. However, when a gun is involved, the stakes become much higher; you could face a decade or more in prison.

When fear or force is used to take the property of another individual directly from his or her immediate presence, it is considered robbery. Typically charged as first- or second-degree robbery, this crime is also a strike offense under the state's Three Strikes law. This ultimately means that if you are given a strike, any penalties for a felony conviction at any point in the future will be much harsher. Regardless of your situation, without a seasoned defense lawyer on your side your freedom is at stake. Criminal penalties may also be enhanced under certain conditions, such as whether a firearm/weapon was in the alleged robber's possession, or was fired during the commission of the crime.

The criminal penalties you may face if found guilty of armed robbery depend on several factors. If convicted of second-degree robbery, the maximum prison term is five years. A first-degree robbery charge may result in a maximum prison term of six or nine years, under California Penal Code 213.

The use of a weapon when committing robbery raises the stakes, as mentioned earlier. If you use a firearm and commit a robbery, you may be sentenced to 10 years in prison.

If the firearm was actually fired during the commission of the crime, you may face 20 years in prison.

If another individual suffered serious bodily harm or was killed during the commission of the robbery, you may face 25 years to life in prison.

As you can see, the penalties are life-changing. In every case, however, sufficient evidence must be brought to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Certain defenses may be effective; for example, you may have been misidentified. The state may lack evidence to support your guilt. We will dig deep to provide you with vigorous, effective legal guidance and support.

Even when the odds are stacked against you, it is often possible to have charges reduced to a lesser or non-strike charge. A plea agreement with prosecutors may be to your advantage. Ultimately, our goal is to obtain the best possible outcome in your unique case, while we fight to protect our clients' freedom and futures. For a zealous defense and to minimize the potential damage to your life, contact the Long Beach armed robbery defense lawyers at The Justice Firm now at 310-914-2444.