Houston Robbery Defense Attorney

Aggressive Defense Strategies for Houston Robbery Charges

Texas takes a dim view of any type of theft, especially armed robbery. Robbery occurs when an individual attempts to steal property from another through force. Armed or aggravated robbery occurs when the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon to commit the crime.

Under the Texas penal code, anyone accused of aggravated robbery will face a first-degree felony charge. If convicted of a first-degree felony, not only can an individual face a significant amount of time in prison, but they also must deal with negative lifelong consequences. Convicted felons often find it challenging to find gainful employment, obtain housing, enlist in the military, or enroll in the school of their choice for higher education.

If you or a loved one has been arrested on an aggravated robbery charge in Houston, seek the help of an experienced and skilled defense attorney. At our law firm, we understand the serious consequences that come with a robbery conviction and are dedicated to providing aggressive defense strategies to protect your rights and freedom. With our proven track record of success in defending against robbery charges, you can trust us to fight tirelessly on your behalf. Contact the Cory Roth Law Office today at 832-400-4133 for a consultation.

What is Aggravated Robbery?

Under Texas law, “armed robbery” is considered an aggravated robbery charge. Robbery is a criminal offense when the perpetrator attempts to steal something. The charge is upgraded to aggravated robbery if the perpetrator is armed with a deadly weapon.

A deadly weapon does not necessarily have to be a firearm; it can be anything that could inflict or cause the victim to fear imminent bodily injury. It is also critical to note that the presence of a weapon or the threat thereof significantly increases the severity of the charges.

Another critical component of an aggravated robbery charge is causing serious bodily injury to another person during the commission of the robbery. Serious bodily injury refers to any injury that could put another person at risk of being killed or death, loss of permanent impairment of bodily functions, loss of an organ, or disfigurement. However, if the victim were a disabled person or an older adult over 65, the perpetrator would likely face aggravated robbery charges if the individual suffered any type of bodily injury.

If you have questions about what constitutes armed or aggravated robbery, contact our law office to schedule a consultation. Our legal counsel can answer your questions and determine a defense strategy to help you obtain favorable results if we agree to take your case.

What Are the Criminal Penalties for Aggravated Robbery Charges?

The criminal penalties for an aggravated robbery case are more severe than those for simple robbery. As outlined in the Texas penal code, robbery is generally considered a second-degree felony with penalties ranging from up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines.

Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony and, depending on the facts and circumstances of the crime, could cause a perpetrator to face up to 99 years or life in prison.

If the crime occurred during a home invasion where “burglary of habitation” charges are added, there is even less room for the judge to impose a lighter sentence. An aggravated robbery that occurs during a home invasion is considered a “3g offense,” meaning that individuals must serve at least half of their sentence before being considered for parole.

Many clients ask if they could receive probation for an armed robbery charge. However, a judge does not have legal authority to grant probation to a defendant. Nevertheless, if the defendant meets specific legal requirements, such as not having a criminal record or substance abuse issue, the jury can evaluate whether community supervision would be appropriate.

Are There Any Legal Defenses to Aggravated Robbery?

Even though aggravated robbery is a serious criminal offense, several legal defense strategies can be used to fight the charges. Some of the most common defense strategies frequently used by a skilled defense attorney include:

• Mistaken identity: The victim(s) are mistaken as to who committed the crime.
• Alibi: The defendant can prove they were elsewhere when the crime occurred.
• No bodily injury: If it can be demonstrated that no bodily injury occurred, the state may be willing to reduce the charges.
• No deadly weapon was used in the commission of the crime: If it can be proven that no deadly weapon was used or presented that would cause a person to fear imminent bodily injury, the charges may be reduced.

Because Texas criminal law can be overly complex, anyone charged with aggravated robbery must hire an attorney who will act as their legal advocate. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate the prosecution’s case to determine where there may be weaknesses and determine what legal strategies can be utilized.

Why Is Early Legal Intervention Important?

Timely legal involvement can significantly influence the results of a case involving aggravated robbery. By engaging a defense attorney as soon as possible, you allow your legal team to begin gathering evidence, identifying potential witnesses, and developing a defense strategy from the outset. Taking this proactive stance may assist in discussions with prosecutors, possibly resulting in lesser charges or even the case being dismissed.

How Can You Support Your Defense?

While your attorney will handle the legal aspects of your defense, there are steps you can take to support your case. Keep detailed records of any interactions with law enforcement, gather contact information for potential witnesses, and provide your attorney with any evidence that may support your defense. Open communication with your legal team is essential, as it allows them to build the strongest possible case on your behalf. At the Cory Roth Law Office, we encourage our clients to be active participants in their defense to achieve the best possible outcome.

What Are the Long-Term Consequences of an Aggravated Robbery Conviction?

A conviction for aggravated robbery can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate penalties of imprisonment and fines. Your chances of finding a job, obtaining housing, and accessing educational opportunities can be affected. Additionally, a felony conviction can affect your civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms. 

Can Aggravated Robbery Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?

While aggravated robbery is a serious charge, there are circumstances under which charges can be reduced or dismissed. Factors such as lack of evidence, procedural errors by law enforcement, or credible alibi witnesses can play a crucial role in weakening the prosecution’s case. 

How Can an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Assist You?

Texas law has stringent rules on how individuals convicted of aggravated robbery with serious bodily injury should be sentenced. Prosecutors generally do not want to offer favorable plea deals to individuals who they believe have committed aggravated robbery, inflicted serious bodily injury, or used a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime.

Consequently, you will need an attorney ready to go to trial and fight to protect your reputation and freedom. Cory Roth understands how the Texas legal system works and what can be done to fight the charges successfully.

Why Should I Choose the Cory Roth Law Office?

In cases of aggravated robbery, the prosecution will typically open up plea negotiations by offering a lengthy prison sentence. Sadly, other criminal defense attorneys in the Houston area often advise clients to take ill-advised plea deals. However, the Cory Roth Law Office fights hard to obtain positive results for clients and is fearless in standing up to prosecutors to protect his clients.

Our main objective is to try and have the aggravated robbery charges reduced or dismissed. However, Cory Roth understands that law enforcement and the prosecution often focus more on the numbers than finding the truth. For this reason, he is a client-centered and trial-ready lawyer.

The Cory Roth Law Office recognizes that being charged with aggravated robbery can be overwhelming. If you have been charged with aggravated robbery, you want legal counsel who is fearless when it comes to standing up to the prosecution to protect your rights. Cory Roth is a highly trained trial lawyer with extensive experience providing quality legal representation to clients.

If you have been charged with theft related to aggravated robbery, contact the Cory Roth Law Office immediately. Time is of the essence in criminal defense cases as witnesses’ memories can quickly fade or evidence can disappear. Contact the Cory Roth Law Office today at 832-400-4133 to schedule a consultation.