New Castle Robbery Defense Attorneys
The legal professionals at Youngstown Criminal Law Group bring a significant amount of experience and a strong history of successfully managing numerous cases. Our standing as one of Ohio’s most respected Youngstown Criminal Law Groups highlights our dedication to securing positive outcomes for our clients. When you are charged with robbery, hiring an attorney from our group means you gain a partner who understands that every case is different and will work relentlessly to achieve the best possible result for you.
Legal Guidance for Robbery and Aggravated Robbery
Being charged with robbery or aggravated robbery is a critical matter. In New Castle, our criminal attorneys explore every possible option to achieve a favorable outcome. This could involve negotiating to reduce your sentence or providing aggressive representation at trial to fight for an acquittal. Taking immediate action is vital for your future, so please contact us at (330) 992-3036 without delay. A skilled New Castle criminal lawyer can make a significant difference in your case.
Understanding Robbery vs. Aggravated Robbery
The Ohio law describes robbery as an act connected to theft or attempted theft, which includes one of the following:
- Having a deadly weapon under your possession or control.
- Causing, attempting to cause, or threatening physical harm to someone.
- Using or threatening to use immediate force.
Robbery can be classified as a second-degree or third-degree felony, based on the specific details of the incident.
A crime becomes aggravated robbery when the person committing it:
- Displays or uses a weapon during the crime.
- Has control over certain dangerous weapons, which can include modified firearms, explosives, or military-grade arms.
- Causes or attempts to cause serious physical injury to another person.
Additionally, disarming or trying to disarm a law enforcement officer on duty is automatically classified as aggravated robbery. As a first-degree felony, this charge comes with severe legal penalties. Understanding these distinctions is where a knowledgeable New Castle DUI lawyer can provide clarity.
Defense Strategies for Robbery & Aggravated Robbery Cases
Every case of robbery or aggravated robbery has unique details, so our defense strategies are carefully customized. We often focus on taking apart the prosecution’s evidence and challenging their ability to prove every necessary element of the crime. Think of it like a four-legged chair: if one leg (or element) is weak, the entire case should not be able to stand. For example, if the evidence doesn’t prove that the accused showed a weapon or used force, we might argue for the charge to be reduced to a lesser offense, like theft. If no theft actually happened, we could argue that the action was just an intimidating gesture, not a robbery. Engaging a New Castle criminal lawyer early on can significantly help your defense by allowing us to begin building your case strategy immediately.
The Influence of Substances on Robbery Charges
If a person was under the influence of substances while committing a robbery, it might create opportunities for legal outcomes other than prison. Individuals who acknowledge a need for treatment may be eligible for rehabilitation programs. We can advocate for your participation in drug treatment, residential programs, or community corrections initiatives as an alternative to serving time in jail. A compassionate New Castle DUI lawyer understands the complexities of substance use and the law.
Navigating the complexities of these charges can be overwhelming. Youngstown Criminal Law Group offers the expertise, commitment, and resources required to handle these challenges and safeguard your future. Our attorneys are experienced in criminal defense and are dedicated to providing thorough and effective legal representation. Contact New Castle criminal lawyer to discuss the details of your case and explore your options for a positive legal outcome.
Consequences for Robbery and Aggravated Robbery
| Offense | Presumption of Prison | Minimum Sentence |
| Aggravated Robbery (First-Degree Felony) | Yes | 3 to 11 years |
| Robbery (Second-Degree Felony) | Yes | 2 to 8 years |
| Robbery (Third-Degree Felony) | No | 9 to 36 months |
Robbery offenses are high-level felonies and usually come with a presumption of prison time, although judges have discretion in their sentencing. Judges consider many factors, such as a person’s prior criminal history, when deciding on a sentence. A clean record might lead to a more lenient sentence. It’s crucial to have a New Castle criminal lawyer who can present your case in the best possible light.
It’s important to know that the prison terms listed above are minimums. Sentences can be increased based on behavior while incarcerated. The maximum sentence can now be the minimum sentence plus 50% of that time. For instance, if you are convicted of aggravated robbery and receive a minimum sentence of 10 years, your term could extend to 15 years. Convictions for third-degree felonies result in definite sentences, not indefinite ones. If the defendant has two previous robbery or burglary convictions, the prison sentence could increase to a maximum of five years instead of three. A New Castle DUI lawyer can help you understand these complex sentencing guidelines.
The Lasting Impact of Robbery Charges in New Castle
The consequences of being involved in a robbery or aggravated robbery case in New Castle go far beyond just serving time. A guilty plea or conviction leaves a permanent mark on your record that cannot be removed. This can seriously affect your future by limiting career opportunities and impacting your rights to own a firearm and vote. Having a dedicated New Castle DUI lawyer to advocate for you can be a crucial advantage, ensuring that someone is protecting your interests at every stage.
Understanding the Nuances of Robbery Charges
Clarifying Second vs. Third-Degree Robbery
When no weapon is involved, the distinction between felony degrees is important. Second-degree robbery involves causing or threatening harm during a theft. Third-degree robbery, which has less severe penalties, involves using or threatening force without necessarily causing harm. The interpretation of “inflicting physical harm” versus “use of force” can greatly impact the charges, and a skilled New Castle criminal lawyer can argue these points effectively.
Strategies to Avoid Incarceration
The defense strategy depends on the specifics of your case, but some general approaches include:
- Negotiating to downgrade the charge’s severity or aiming for a complete dismissal.
- Challenging every element of the prosecution’s argument, from whether a theft occurred to the presence of a weapon.
- Exploring alternatives by presenting you as a low risk for reoffending, possibly through substance use treatment.
Identifying Aggravated Robbery
The key element for an aggravated robbery charge is the use of a deadly weapon—one capable of causing lethal harm. How the weapon was used is critical. Simply having a potentially deadly item, like a concealed pocket knife, without using it during the robbery, usually does not elevate the charge to aggravated robbery. This is a fine point that a New Castle DUI lawyer can effectively argue.
Action Steps After an Arrest
- Your Rights Matter: Take your Miranda Rights seriously. Anything you say can be used against you, so remaining silent is crucial.
- The Right to an Attorney: It is essential to have a lawyer familiar with robbery cases. They are equipped to communicate effectively with law enforcement and the courts on your behalf.
Seek Professional Counsel in New Castle for Robbery Charges
If you are facing robbery or aggravated robbery accusations in New Castle, our law group is ready to assist. Contact Youngstown Criminal Law Group at (330) 992-3036. Schedule a consultation with a New Castle criminal lawyer who specializes in robbery cases to discuss your legal options and path forward.








