Robbery Lawyer Austin, TX

Defense for Robbery Charges in Texas

Robbery in Texas, often referred to as theft by force or compulsion, involves taking another's property without their consent and with the use or threat of violence or bodily harm. Depending on the situation, robbery can be prosecuted as a felony crime in Texas which carries a range of penalties and consequences including incarceration, restitution, fines and possible forfeiture of one's right to possess firearms.

It is important to note that robbery charges can be both serious and complex so individuals who find themselves facing this type of charge should strongly consider retaining the services of an experienced robbery lawyer in Austin for assistance obtaining the best available outcome in their case. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, our team has intimate knowledge of the legal system and knows how to effectively handle robbery cases.

If you were accused of this offense, call our Austin robbery attorneys at (512) 359-3743 to get started on your case.

Texas Robbery Laws

Under Texas penal code 29.01, it is unlawful for a person to knowingly cause or attempt to cause bodily injury to another to obtain a tangible or intangible item of value. To land a conviction, the prosecutor must prove that the individual meant to commit a theft and harmed the alleged victim in the course of the act. The harm does not have to be physical; if the alleged victim claims they feared for their safety, that might be enough to bring robbery charges.

In Texas, robbery scores very high on the list of criminal offenses that may be punished with severe penalties. Depending on the degree or severity of robbery and any factors that are taken into consideration by the court, robbery charges may range from a third-degree felony to a first-degree felony. The most serious robbery convictions come with up to life imprisonment and hefty fines that can easily exceed $10,000.

Types of Robbery Charges in Texas

In general, robbery is defined as taking another person’s property or money without their consent through force or threats of force. Depending on the extent of the robbery, an individual can be charged with either first or third degree robbery, or aggravated robbery.

First degree robbery occurs when the robber uses or threatens to use deadly force, whereby third degree robbery occurs when no weapons are present in the crime scene and there are no serious bodily injuries suffered by any parties involved. Aggravated robbery is a hybrid between first and third which involves committing robbery while using a deadly weapon with the intention to cause severe injuries to another party.

All these types of robbery carry different punishments depending on previous criminal history and severity of injury caused during the crime - it is not one charge that applies for all these types of robbery cases financially.

The potential punishments for this second-degree felony offense include:

• 2 to 20 years in prison
• $10,000 in fines

Aggravated Robbery Charges in Texas

The offense could be elevated to aggravated robbery if the person:

• Seriously injures another person;
• Uses or displays a deadly weapon; or
• Injures, threatens to injure, or puts someone in fear of injury if the alleged victim is:
  • 65 years of age or over or
  • Disabled

Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony, and could be penalized as follows:

• 5 to 99 years in prison
• $10,000 in fines

What is the Difference Between Theft and Robbery?

Theft and robbery are both criminal offenses related to taking someone else's property unlawfully, but they differ in several key aspects:

Theft

Theft, also known as larceny, is the unlawful taking of another person's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. It can involve various forms, such as shoplifting, embezzlement, and stealing. In theft cases, there is no requirement for the use of force or threat against the victim. The act of taking the property is the main focus.

The intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property is a key element of theft. The offender must have the intent to keep the stolen property for themselves or to dispose of it in a way that deprives the owner of its value.

Robbery

Robbery is a specific type of theft that involves the use of force, intimidation, or threat of force to take someone else's property. Unlike theft, robbery requires the element of violence or the threat of violence. Robbery specifically involves the use of force, intimidation, or threat of force against the victim. This element distinguishes robbery from other forms of theft.

In addition to the intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property, robbery requires the additional element of using force, intimidation, or threat of force during the commission of the theft.

In summary, while both theft and robbery involve the unlawful taking of someone else's property, robbery is distinguished by the use of force or threat of force against the victim. Robbery is generally considered a more serious offense than theft and carries harsher penalties.

Effective Legal Defense Is a Phone Call Away – (512) 359-3743

Contacting a skilled Austin robbery lawyer as soon as possible after being charged with an offense could make a substantial difference in your case. The more time counsel has to review the facts of your circumstances, the better they can prepare a strategy on your behalf. Our Austin lawyers will comb through every detail of your situation and the prosecutor’s evidence to gain a better understanding of the incident. We will seek to obtain a favorable result for you.

For the fierce representation you need, call our Austin robbery attorneys at (512) 359-3743 or contact us online.