Defending against Serious Aggravated Robbery Charges in Texas
Robbery is a theft crime that involves taking something from another person by force or threat of force. Robbery is a serious second-degree felony offense in Texas, and a conviction can mean up to 20 years in prison. In some circumstances, robbery charges can be escalated to aggravated robbery, which is also often called “armed robbery.” This is an even more serious matter, and it requires an aggressive defense.
If you are arrested and charged with aggravated robbery in the Fort Worth area, your first call should be to the law office of criminal defense attorney Kyle Whitaker. Our firm defends against serious violent felonies, and we can assess the best defense strategy for you. Contact us to discuss your charges as soon as possible.
What is Aggravated Robbery?
Aggravated robbery occurs when someone commits a robbery while possessing, displaying, or using a deadly weapon. This includes more than just firearms or knives and can include any object that could be used to cause serious harm or death to another person. If the authorities allege that you had such a weapon when you committed the robbery, the prosecutor can increase your charges and seek a much more severe sentence upon a conviction.
There are other circumstances that might aggravate a robbery charge, such as:
- Causing serious injuries to another person
- Causing or threatening bodily injury to someone age 65 or older
- Causing or threatening bodily injury to someone who is disabled
Possible Penalties for Aggravated Robbery in TX
When a robbery charge increases to aggravated robbery, the prosecutor can issue a first-degree felony charge. Aside from capital felonies, this is the most serious degree of criminal charge you can face in Texas. If you are convicted of a first-degree felony, your sentence can include:
- Five to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment
- Fines up to $10,000
In addition, aggravated robbery is considered to be one of the “3G” offenses under Texas law. This means there are additional consequences, including:
- The judge is not allowed to order community supervision (probation) in lieu of prison time
- You will be required to serve half of your overall prison sentence before you become eligible for parole
The only time you might be eligible for probation is if you have no prior convictions, and a jury decides that probation is justified in your case. If a judge decides your sentence, however, probation is not an option.
Contact The Law Office of Kyle Whitaker for Help Today!
As you can see, aggravated robbery is an extremely serious charge, and every defendant needs the highest quality of defense representation. There are ways to defend against aggravated robbery charges that can lead to a dismissal of your case, an acquittal at trial, or the reduction of your charges and sentence.
Criminal defense attorney Kyle Whitaker handles serious criminal cases, and we can assist you against aggravated robbery charges. Call 817-332-7703 or contact us online immediately for help.