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Understanding Aggravated Robbery Charges and How to Defend Against Them
Logue Law Group focuses on developing strategic defense plans for individuals in Mercer accused of aggravated robbery. Our primary goal is to secure your freedom, allowing you to await trial from home rather than in confinement. A felony conviction can have lifelong consequences, and we are here to help.
In Pennsylvania, robbery offenses are categorized into ‘aggravated’ and ‘standard’ robbery. Although there are key distinctions, both revolve around the act of theft—be it attempting, committing, or fleeing after the act. Both charges are serious felonies, but aggravated robbery carries significantly heavier penalties. If you are facing these serious allegations, it is crucial to consult an experienced Mercer criminal lawyer immediately. Our defense team has managed numerous cases like yours. Contact our Mercer office for a complimentary evaluation of your legal circumstances.
Our Logue Law Group Is Here to Defend You
Our founder, criminal lawyer Sean Logue, is recognized as a top defense attorney in Pennsylvania. He understands the intricacies of the criminal justice system from a personal perspective, stemming from his own unjust arrest and experience with police brutality as a young man. We offer a no-cost initial consultation for those seeking a strong defense against aggravated robbery charges. Call Logue Law Group at 412.389.0805 to start building your defense strategy with a dedicated Mercer DUI lawyer.
Understanding Theft Crimes in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the law forbids taking control of someone else’s property through force, deceit, or unauthorized means. Pennsylvania’s statutes, specifically within the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, detail various theft offenses. In general, theft involves taking unauthorized possession of another person’s property in several ways:
- Without the owner’s consent
- Exceeding the given permission
- Through deception or trickery
- By making threats
- Through coercion
Theft offenses can include a wide range of actions, such as:
- Entering restricted or secured areas
- Committing burglary
- Using credit or debit cards without authorization
- Stealing internet services
- Illegally downloading media content
- Manipulating vending machines
If you need guidance, a Mercer criminal lawyer can clarify these complex laws.
Burglary Distinguished from Theft Crimes
According to Pennsylvania law, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering a building or occupied structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. The core elements of this offense are the illegal entry and the criminal intent, which is not limited to theft. This distinction is important, and a Mercer DUI lawyer from our team can explain how it applies to your case.
| Value of Stolen Property | Charge | Penalty |
| Up to five hundred dollars. | First-degree misdemeanor. | Maximum of six months imprisonment and a fine of $1,000. |
| $1,000 or greater but less than $7,500; OR if the property comprises a negotiable instrument, like a credit card, debit card, or check; OR if the property consists of a vehicle license plate or an unused driver’s license form. | Fifth-degree felony. | Imprisonment ranging from six to twelve months and a fine of $2,500. |
| Ranging from $7,500 to $150,000; OR if the property constitutes a motor vehicle OR a controlled substance. | Fourth-degree felony (commonly known as grand theft). | Imprisonment ranging from six to eighteen months and a fine of $5,000. |
| $150,000 or greater but less than $750,000; OR a firearm; OR anhydrous ammonia (a lethal gas); OR a police horse, police dog, or service animal. | Third-degree felony (also referred to as aggravated theft). | Imprisonment ranging from one to five years and a fine of $10,000. |
| From $750,000 to $1.5 million. | Second-degree felony (aggravated theft). | Imprisonment ranging from two to eight years and a fine of $15,000. |
| Exceeding $1.5 million. | First-degree felony. | Imprisonment ranging from three to eleven years and a fine of $20,000. |
Understanding Pennsylvania’s Robbery Laws
The legal definitions and consequences of robbery in Pennsylvania can be confusing. Here is a simplified explanation of what robbery involves according to state laws.
What is Robbery?
Robbery is more than simple theft. In Pennsylvania, a theft becomes a robbery under these conditions:
- The perpetrator possesses or appears to have a deadly weapon.
- The perpetrator inflicts, threatens, or attempts to cause physical harm.
- The perpetrator uses or threatens to use immediate force.
A knowledgeable Mercer DUI lawyer can help you understand these fine distinctions.
When Robbery Becomes Aggravated
A robbery is elevated to an aggravated robbery charge when:
- The perpetrator has a deadly weapon and displays it, brandishes it, implies they have it, or uses it.
- The perpetrator possesses or controls dangerous ordnance, such as military-grade weapons.
- The perpetrator causes or attempts to cause serious bodily injury.
Aggravated robbery is one of the most severe theft-related crimes in Pennsylvania, frequently resulting in lengthy prison sentences. A Mercer DUI lawyer can provide the defense you need.
Penalties You Could Face
The sentence for a theft crime can vary significantly based on several factors:
- The value of the stolen property: This is a primary factor in determining whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.
- Previous criminal history: Past arrests or convictions can lead to harsher penalties.
- Additional offenses: Committing other crimes during the theft can increase the severity of the charges.
- Attempts to evade an arrest warrant: Fleeing from law enforcement will result in more serious consequences.
It is essential to consult with a skilled defense Mercer criminal lawyer to understand how these elements might affect your case.
The Hidden Consequences of Aggravated Robbery
Beyond jail time and fines, an aggravated robbery conviction can result in the loss of several civil liberties. These can include your right to:
- Own firearms
- Vote
- Hold public office
- Serve on a jury
- Qualify for certain professions
- Receive federal educational assistance
A conviction can also affect child custody arrangements and your immigration status. Remember, an experienced defense Mercer criminal lawyer can often get these charges reduced or even dismissed. While no outcome can be guaranteed, a strong defense is absolutely vital.
Evidence Used in Court
The prosecution has the burden of proof to show that you committed aggravated robbery. They must establish:
- An actual taking of property from a person or their immediate presence.
- The taking involved threats, violence, or intimidation.
- The intent was to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
Evidence presented against you may include:
- Witness statements and video surveillance
- Trace evidence like fingerprints or footprints
- Clothing fibers
- Biological evidence such as blood or hair
- Testimony from the arresting officer or forensic specialists
- Location tracking data from devices
Facing these charges is intimidating, but with a robust defense from a Mercer DUI lawyer, evidence can be challenged or dismissed.
Defenses Against an Aggravated Robbery Accusation
When you choose Logue Law Group, a lawyer will conduct a thorough review of your case, examining everything from the moment of your arrest to the evidence and witnesses the prosecution plans to use. With a deep knowledge of police procedures, evidence rules, and a strong background in criminal defense, we are prepared to weaken or dismantle the accusations you face. Every legal case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Here are some defense strategies our team might use:
Improper Search and Confiscation
If it appears your Fourth Amendment rights were violated by an improper search and seizure, our Mercer criminal lawyers will file a motion to exclude any evidence obtained illegally. Violations may include:
- Searching your person, home, or vehicle without a valid warrant.
- Exceeding the scope of a search warrant.
- Using a search warrant that was not based on probable cause.
Questionable Witness Accounts
We understand that memories can fade or be influenced over time. When witnesses testify, their accounts can be affected by various factors, which we will bring into question. Some examples include:
- Vision or hearing problems that could distort their perception.
- Cognitive difficulties or memory issues.
- Pressure or coaching from the prosecution team.
Inadmissible or Compromised Evidence
Evidence must adhere to a strict chain of custody to be considered valid. Our Mercer criminal lawyers will meticulously examine the prosecution’s evidence to raise doubts about its integrity, suggesting possibilities of tampering, damage, or mishandling. For example, we might provide an alternative explanation for a fingerprint at the crime scene, such as you having legitimate access to the location at an earlier time.
Questioning Intent
The prosecution must prove there was a deliberate intent to commit theft and permanently deprive someone of their property. Our defense strategy may involve creating doubt about your intent regarding the permanence of the alleged theft. A dedicated Mercer DUI lawyer can argue this effectively.
The Absence of Force or Menace
While some objects can be used as weapons, they may also be ordinary tools. This provides an opportunity to argue that there was no threat or aggression involved, potentially reducing the charge from aggravated robbery to a less serious offense.
Proposing an Alternate Perpetrator
We believe in exploring every possibility, including the chance that another person had a motive to commit the robbery. To support this defense, we would work to establish your whereabouts at the time of the offense. Tangible evidence, like a receipt from a restaurant where you were dining, could strengthen this alibi. The right Mercer criminal lawyer can build this defense. Our track record at Logue Law Group in defending individuals against aggravated robbery and other serious charges is strong.
A Resource Guide for Aggravated Robbery Defense in Pennsylvania
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Pennsylvania: Find information about the federal body overseeing counties in the state, including updates on federal cases and community safety programs.
- Felony Sentencing in Pennsylvania: Access a clear guide on felony sentencing, detailing potential consequences such as imprisonment and fines.
- Rights for Pennsylvania’s Crime Victims: Learn about the legal rights and compensation available to victims, as well as privacy rights and courtroom procedures.
- Identity Theft Legislature: Understand how state laws, including Pennsylvania’s, address the serious crime of identity theft.
- Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Statutes: Senior citizens receive special protection under the law. This resource explains how robbery against the elderly is prosecuted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Robbery in Mercer
Can an aggravated robbery charge be downgraded to a minor offense?
Yes, it is possible. Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecution is a common strategy. By pleading guilty to a lesser charge like trespassing or burglary, you may be able to avoid severe penalties or a long prison sentence. A skilled Mercer criminal lawyer can handle these negotiations.
What’s the typical sentence for aggravated robbery?
The penalties for aggravated robbery depend on factors like the value of the stolen goods. Classified as a third-degree or second-degree felony, sentences can range from one to five years for the former and two to eight years for the latter.
Could being under the influence be considered a defense in my aggravated robbery case?
Intoxication can be a factor in your defense. In certain circumstances, a Mercer DUI lawyer may also be able to advocate for drug rehabilitation programs as an alternative to incarceration.
How can I bolster my chances of being found not guilty?
An acquittal depends on creating reasonable doubt about your involvement in the crime. The more information you provide to our Mercer DUI lawyers, the stronger a defense we can build to increase your chances of being found not guilty.
Choosing a Legal Advocate for Your Aggravated Robbery Case in Mercer, PA
If you retain our legal services, a dedicated Mercer criminal lawyer will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your aggravated theft case. With an extensive history of handling numerous cases, Logue Law Group is dedicated to defending your rights, clearing your name, and keeping you out of confinement. To schedule your free consultation, contact our team today at 412.389.0805.