Are you facing charges of armed robbery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? With robbery, a person commits a theft or robbery, but with armed robbery, the use of force or the threat of force with a weapon is also involved. Robberies are felony offenses, but armed robbery is particularly serious because it involves the use of a weapon. In Florida, individuals who are found guilty of armed robbery face up to thirty years in prison, can face fines up to $10,000, and a permanent felony record which can result in other collateral consequences. Collateral consequences for armed robbery convictions can include the loss of voting rights, the loss of access to certain sources of federal and welfare aid, the loss of access to certain types of financial aid or loans for schooling, and other social consequences of having a felony conviction.
While the consequences of being convicted of armed robbery are serious and long-lasting, it is important to remember that you are innocent until you are proven guilty. Individuals in Florida have a right to challenge charges. If you are facing police questioning or have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery, you have the right to remain silent and have the right to ask to speak to a lawyer. If you can’t afford a lawyer, one must be provided to you. The Fort Lauderdale armed robbery defense lawyers Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. may be able to assist you if you are facing armed robbery charges. Protect your reputation and your innocence today. When facing long jail sentences, sometimes individuals might be asked if they want to take a plea deal. Before taking a plea deal, it may be wise to speak to a Fort Lauderdale armed robbery defense lawyer. Public defenders may not always have the time to investigate a case, and may urge their clients to sometimes take plea deals. A private criminal defense law firm like Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida may be able to assist you, by closely examining your case and helping you understand all your options.
What is Considered a Weapon in an Armed Robbery?
In an armed robbery, what might be considered a weapon? If a gun or firearm was used in a robbery, this could raise the charges to armed robbery charges. It doesn’t matter if the gun was loaded or not loaded, because the fear instilled in the victim would be the same. Additionally, it wouldn’t matter if the gun was a real gun or imitation gun, because the show of force and the fear of imminent harm in the victim would be the same, in theory. However, if the gun was not real, a lawyer may be able to try to argue that the gun looked so fake as to not be confused with a real gun (many toy guns clearly look like toys). Other items that are considered weapons can include knives (of any kind), slingshots, and chemical weapons.
If you are facing armed robbery charges, Michael D. Weinstein, P.A. is an armed robbery defense law firm that may be able to assist you. Our firm can evaluate the evidence of your case and may be able to assist you in fighting your charges.
Defenses for Armed Robbery Charges in Fort Lauderdale
There are several possible defenses for armed robbery charges. Sometimes, in an armed robbery, victims only get a glance at a perpetrator. Due to issues of racial profiling, psychological stress, and confusion, sometimes the wrong person gets identified or implicated in an armed robbery crime. Innocent people can have their lives damaged because of these wrongful accusations. Other defenses can be challenging to use, but in some cases, they might be valid. If a person forced another person to participate in an armed robbery through force, this might be a valid defense. For example, if a friend points a gun at you and says, go into the store with me, and then the friend robs the store, the friend is responsible for the armed robbery, and you may not be a willing participant. Other issues can include cases of insanity, where a person was not mentally sound to commit the crime in the first place.
If you are facing armed robbery charges in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, these are very serious charges with very serious penalties. However, you have the right to defend your innocence in court, or you may be offered a plea deal by the state. Before taking a plea deal, or moving forward with your case, you may want to speak to Michael D. Weinstein, P.A., an armed robbery defense attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our attorney may be able to assist you.