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TAMPA ARMED ROBBERY ATTORNEY
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When charged with a serious criminal offense like armed robbery, your freedom and life as you know it are at risk. An armed robbery conviction in Florida can result in years in prison and a permanent mark on your criminal record.
If you’re facing criminal charges, it can be easy to feel convicted before you even make it to the courtroom. Don’t give up. The criminal defense attorneys at Buda Law understand how overwhelming it can be when you’ve been accused of a crime. Your legal team will not only provide excellent legal representation but will also support you throughout the entire process.
As a former prosecuting attorney, Andrew Buda has been on both sides of armed robbery cases and knows what it takes to defend you against such criminal charges. When you work with attorney Andrew Buda, you can trust that your legal team will work diligently to help fight against your charges in order to receive the best possible outcome.
Facing armed robbery charges? Contact Buda Law to schedule a free consultation by calling (813) 322-2832 today.
Definition of Armed Robbery in Florida
Armed robbery occurs when one person uses or carries a gun or dangerous weapon in order to take money or property from another. In Florida, armed robberies can involve any deadly weapon, not just guns and firearms. Even if a person has a gun or deadly weapon in their possession while committing robbery but doesn’t use it during the crime, they can still be charged with armed robbery.
Florida Statute 812.13
Florida Statute 812.13 defines robbery as the taking of money or property from another person with the intent to deprive them of that property. Robbery usually involves the use of force, fear, violence, or assault. When robbery is committed with a firearm or deadly weapon, a person can be charged with armed robbery.
Stong-Armed Robbery vs. Armed Robbery
In Florida, robbery charges are divided into two categories: armed robbery and strong-armed robbery. Both robbery offenses involve taking another person’s property or money with the use of force and can result in a felony conviction.
Strong-armed robbery is also referred to as unarmed robbery and is a more severe form of robbery. It involves excessive force and threats of violence during the crime. This type of aggravated robbery differs from armed robbery because the offender does not have or use a firearm or dangerous weapon while committing the crime.
Is Armed Robbery a Felony in Florida?
Robbery is a felony offense in Florida, and when a person uses a gun or deadly weapon when committing the crime, the criminal charges and penalties are even more severe. The severity of the felony charges can vary depending on the circumstances of the armed robbery offense. Even lower levels of robbery can result in a third-degree felony charge.
Penalties for Armed Robbery in Florida
Armed robbery is considered a first-degree felony offense. Those convicted can face life in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. If the weapon used during the armed robbery is not considered deadly, a person’s maximum prison sentence is 30 years and $10,000 in fines.
Certain factors surrounding an armed robbery offense can affect the minimum mandatory prison sentence an offender could receive for their felony conviction.
- If a gun was present at the time of the crime but was not discharged, the minimum sentence is ten years.
- If the gun was discharged during the crime, the minimum sentence is 20 years.
- If the gun injured or killed someone during the armed robbery, a person will receive a minimum prison sentence of 25 years.
Consequences of an Armed Robbery Conviction
A felony is the most severe criminal charge that a person can face in Florida. Not only can a person spend years in prison, but they may also be required to pay thousands of dollars in fines. In addition to jail time and fines, a person is forced to live with the consequences of their conviction even after they’ve served their sentence.
A felony charge will remain on a person’s criminal record for the rest of their life. This record can make it difficult for someone to find employment, buy a home, and even qualify for a loan. A person with a felony charge can also lose their right to vote and own a firearm.
Defenses Used in Armed Robbery Cases
Due to the crime’s aggressive nature, Florida armed robbery charges are severely prosecuted by the Tampa legal system. When facing such serious charges, you need an aggressive attorney who will fight for your rights. As a former prosecuting attorney, Andrew Buda knows that the opposing side will do whatever it takes to get their conviction. Using this knowledge, your criminal defense attorney will build a strong defense against those charges.
Some common defense strategies used in armed robbery cases include:
- Lack of intent to commit robbery
- No knowledge of the weapon
- Mistaken identity
- Issues with evidence
- Duress
- No probable cause for the arrest
- Conflicting statements from witnesses
- Police procedure violations
How a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Fight Against Armed Robbery Charges
Working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can drastically improve your chances of receiving a lesser sentence and even result in the charges being completely dropped or dismissed.
At Buda Law, your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into your charges as they create a solid defense strategy. When you’ve been charged with a violent crime as serious as armed robbery, attorney Andrew Buda will aggressively fight for you to achieve the most favorable results.
Facing an Armed Robbery Charge in Tampa? Call Criminal Defense Attorney Andrew Buda Today
If you’ve been arrested on a suspected armed robbery offense, you need the best legal representation available. Attorney Andrew Buda has represented countless Tampa residents against felony charges and understands what it takes to fight against such serious accusations.
Using his experience as a prosecuting attorney, Andrew Buda has the legal skills and knowledge necessary to take on even the hardest criminal cases. Following your arrest, it’s critical to contact Buda Law right away so that your rights remain protected and your legal team can begin crafting your defense strategy as soon as possible.
Our law firm represents clients throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough County and is prepared to represent you, too. If you’ve been charged with armed robbery in Tampa or the surrounding areas, schedule a free consultation with Tampa criminal defense lawyer Andrew Buda by calling (813) 322-2832 or completing our online intake form today.
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