TAMPA ARMED ROBBERY ATTORNEY
Work with an Experienced Former Prosecutor
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.
REVIEWS
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He has connections and relationships with the court systems, which are crucial in negotiations.
He’s definitely a good choice if you want professional representation. I called him a day before my court date he was on time and fully prepared and he worked with me financially as well. He has lots of information that is beneficial towards my case, helping to calm my nerves and also has connections and relationships with the court systems, which are crucial in negotiations in any case. I highly recommend Buddha law to anyone in need of a defense attorney.
– Former Client
His knowledge and experience exceeded my expectations.
Professional and excellent council. He made me feel like I was his only client. Very responsive to my needs and concerns. I highly recommend for your legal needs. His knowledge and experience exceeded my expectations.
– Damond
Life Saver!
Amazing attorney. Always available and very compassionate! Andrew’s name came to us through word of mouth from an individual who stated he saved his life, so far looks like he’s doing the same for us! Highly recommended.
– Shannon
Professional, honest, a straight talker, very responsive, good communication and was extremely efficient.
Andrew Buda was professional, honest, a straight talker, very responsive, good communication and was extremely efficient in representing my case turning a stressful case that resulted in a very favorable outcome. Would highly recommend!
– Cathi
Andrew got the charges dropped even before it could go to trial.
Mr. Andrew is one of the best lawyers you can find in the Tampa Bay Area. He is not gonna give you false promises, and he will get the job done. I have been to many lawyers before hiring him for my case. The other lawyers told me of the case going to trial and what not but Mr. Andrew got the charges dropped even before it could go to trial. The best thing about him is his ability to connect to his clients and connect with them in a personal level. For him it’s not simply a job, it is his passion to help people. He gave me discount as I was going through some hardships. I recommend him very strongly. He is a man of words and he’s also a role model for others to look up to.
– Habibur
They treated me as a person, not just a case number.
I had an exceptional experience with Buda Law Group. This group absolutely has the high-level of expertise and dedication required to assist you with your case. The attorneys stayed engaged and I valued their proactive communication. Recommendations were made for actions I could take to help with the final outcome. They treated me as a person, not just a case number. From the beginning to the end, I was treated with respect and genuine empathy, especially when navigating a complicated case.
– Mary
Their entire team seem to truly care about their clients.
My entire experience with Buda Law was absolutely 5 stars! After sending them a message on their website, within minutes I received a phone call from Attorney Julie Adue. Julie is absolutely phenomenal, was with me every step of the way, and answered all my questions throughout the process. Her knowledge and empathy really helped put my mind at ease, and have full confidence in who I chose to represent me. There was even a time I called the office and asked for Julie, and her paralegal, also named Julie was always so helpful! Highly recommend Buda Law overall, their entire team seems to truly care about their clients which isn’t always easy to come by!
– Alexa
He’s an outstanding lawyer and he’s passionate about helping those in need.
Thanks to Andrew my mom was able to get out a week before my wedding!! He’s an outstanding lawyer and he’s passionate about helping those in need. If I had to recommend someone an amazing lawyer it would be Andrew Buda best there is and best there’ll ever be. I appreciate what you did in the 2 days you had to collect the information and to win the case. Keep up the great work you are doing. From me and my family we thank you for ever!
– Abraham
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WHAT MAKES OUR DEFENSE SO EFFECTIVE?
- Former State Prosecutor
- Highly Responsive & Accessible
- Result-Oriented Advocacy
- We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial
- Personal Representation Centered Around You
- Exceptional Negotiator