Bonnie and Clyde, the historical crime duo, were killed in their get-away car which had been riddled with over 100 bullets in 1934. Because of their violent cross country crime spree, they were considered highly dangerous. So authorities decided to capture them dead instead of alive.

As I studied the bullet riddled car, and some shredded and tattered clothing they had been wearing at the time of their death, I felt this overwhelming sense of terror and sadness. It was an eerie. I was saddened by the thought that in some way people looked at the vehicle and other related items as trophies, and as for Bonnie and Clyde themselves, they were remembered as icons.

But why? I suppose it was the “One person’s villain is another person’s hero” syndrome. As I looked around the room, I saw newspaper clipping, stories, and photos framed from 1932 to 1934. They followed events of the cross-country crime spree, and violence. Finally, the last photo I noted was taken immediately following Bonnie and Clyde’s death, taken of them as they lay lifeless by the vehicle. It was difficult to look at.

No, these were no trophies. There were no heroes. These were symbols of tragedy, and consequences of crimes that to this day, have not ceased to exist.

At the same time, I saw a failed criminal justice system…”Wanted dead or alive” is how the posters read. Regardless of how serious or violent the crime they were entitled to a fair trial by jury, under the United States Constitution. Whether they deserved a fair trial or not, was irrelevant.

Robberies need not be as epic or dramatic as those committed by Bonnie and Clyde to be considered some of the most serious crimes under law. Robbery convictions in Arizona and call for the serious penalties with life long penalties. If a gun or deadly weapon is possessed, even if it is not used, it is charged as “Armed Robbery” in violation of A.R.S. 13 § 1904. Armed Robbery is a Class 2 felony, the most severe, just short of Class 1 felonies that are reserved for the most serious of crimes, homicide. Aggravated criminal penalties can result in life in prison.

Robberies were committed at businesses in the Phoenix metropolitan area, 5 of them in Gilbert, 3 in Mesa and 2 in Chandler. A thirty-year-old male and his twenty-seven year old wife were arrested and accused of working as a team to rob businesses. The husband had lost his job, the unemployment check hadn’t arrived, and they had four minor boys to feed.

In order to commit the robberies, the husband would stand in line like a prospective customer and then, once he reached the front of the line, grab money out of the register. His wife would wait in the van with their four sons.

Under A.R.S. §13-1902, “robbery” is defined as taking property from another’s body or immediate presence and against their will, where the defendant threatens or uses force against them in order to coerce the person to release the property. Robbery is more serious than theft because it involves violence or the threat of violence. Robbery encompasses crimes involving brief verbal threats, as well as two people ganging up on a victim or using weapons. However, two people ganging up on a victim is the class 3 felony of aggravated robbery. Using a deadly weapon or even a fake gun can lead to an “armed robbery” charge.

Robbery is usually charged as a Class 4 felony and carries a sentence of between 18 months-3 years in Arizona. There may also be mitigating or aggravating circumstances associated with the robberies that can reduce or worsen the sentence.

In this case, there were ten robberies, and even if no deadly weapon was used, the potential penalties are severe. The nature of the man’s threats as he robbed the stores is not clear from the news articles. It is also not clear whether he pretended to have a weapon, which would lead to Class 2 armed robbery charges and likely worsen his sentence.

The man recently pled not guilty to the charges. The choice to plead not guilty may seem surprising. However, offenders have the constitutional and criminal right to plead not guilty no matter how serious the charges are or how strong the evidence is against them.

You should be aware, if you are charged with a crime, that pleading guilty or no contest does not necessarily mean you will necessarily receive a lesser sentence. In fact, if you plead guilty without a criminal defense attorney, you may in effect be waiving your right to retain a criminal defense attorney. You have the right to plead not guilty and to be presumed innocent unless the prosecution can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty.

“Beyond a reasonable doubt” is an exacting standard, which is why it behooves anyone who is accused or charged of robbery to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. A good defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor in exchange for you pleading guilty or no contest. Or, if you have a strong defense, you can plead not guilty and your attorney can work to damage the prosecutor’s case and present your side of the story at trial. Contact The Law Office of James Novak at 480-413-1499 for a free consultation, if you face robbery or other serious charges in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert or other surrounding East Valley Cities.

Additional Resources:

• Robbery Classification, Arizona Revised Statutes
• Arizona Government Benefits
• Maricopa Superior Court

More Blogs

• Felony DUI Laws and Penalties in Arizona, Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog, July 1, 2013
• Arizona Supreme Court: DUI Partition Ratios Evidence Admissible, Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog, August 27, 2012

There are three classifications of robbery in Arizona:

1) Robbery;

2) Armed Robbery which involves a weapon;

3) Aggravated Robbery which involves an accomplice

Even if a robbery offense does not involve a weapon or an accomplice it is serious felony charge. Maricopa County prosecutors pursue them egregiously because they are considered crimes against a victim. If convicted, a person may be exposed to long term jail and prison sentencing.

Arizona Robbery Laws A.R.S. § 13-1902

A.R.S. § 13-1902 Robbery is theft that occurs; is intended; or attempted while the owner, caretaker or authorized party overseeing the property stolen is present at the time of the incident. Robbery occurs when items (s) are stolen forcefully or against a person’s will. Robbery also includes acts or words of intentional intimidation, force or threat used against the owner or caretaker of the property in an effort to cause them to surrender the property against their will.

In order to get a conviction for robbery, the intent to commit robbery must exist. A person may be found guilty of robbery or attempted robbery, even if no property was taken; or even if a victim was unharmed.

A person may be guilty of robbery, or attempted robbery, even if they did not get away with any of the property; an even if the victim or witnesses were not harmed.

Robbery Sentencing Mesa AZ

Robbery charges without aggravated circumstance are Class 4 Felonies under Arizona Law. All robbery charges are felonies and sentencing is harsh. If convicted a person will be exposed to prison sentencing of up to 3.75 years in State Prison;, or jail sentences up to one year. Other penalties include fines; fees; victim restitution; property damage, community service, and other penalties the judge deems appropriate. A sentence may be mitigated, which means reduced, or aggravated which mean increased based on certain factors. Factors may include prior criminal record repeat offenses; nature, monetary value, and number of items stolen.

Robbery Lawyer for defense in Mesa AZ

If you have been arrested for robbery, you will need to hire an experienced criminal attorney to defend you. They will make sure you are treated fairly; defend your charges; and look for defenses that may apply to your case; and provide the court with mitigating factors on your behalf. Retaining a qualified lawyer will increase your chances of getting a good outcome in your case.

Arizona Legislature

Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney for Robbery

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Law Office of James Novak 4500 S. Lakeshore Drive Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 413-1499 www.Arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com www.novakazlaw.com

Phoenix Robbery or Armed Robbery Charges

Arizona robbery and armed robbery offenses are prosecuted very aggressively. If you were charged or arrested with Phoenix, AZ robbery or armed robbery you should consult an experienced Arizona criminal lawyer defends cases often in the Phoenix Court criminal justice system frequently to defend your charges.

The difference between burglary and robbery is that the act of burglary is an offense of forced entry or unlawful entering a building, residence, business or vehicle with the intent to commit or comment a felony theft within the structure.

Robbery on the other hand is when the accused uses force, intimidation, or fear as a means of taking property from someone.

Armed Robbery is the same as robbery, with the added factor of the accused being armed with a weapon such as a firearm, or other weapon to gain control of the property from a person or place. It is important to understand, however, that many objects can constitute a weapon and fall within the category of “armed robbery”. For example a broken glass bottle, a baseball bat, knife, or other objects which are made or intended for other purposes.

Phoenix Robbery or Armed Robbery Penalties in Arizona

Arizona Robbery and armed robbery charges must be taken serious. The penalties are severe and convictions treated with harsh sentencing by the Phoenix courts.

If the crime is designated a “dangerous crime” as is the case if a dangerous weapon is involved or used, the judge will order mandatory prison terms if convicted. If e weapons are involved, someone is harmed, or even imminent threat of harm occurred, penalties can be doubled form the normal non-dangerous felony sentence range. Robbery sentencing carries a wide minimum and maximum range from 1 year up to 21 years or more in prison depending on the circumstances of each criminal count charged for the incident. Other fines, fees, restitution, or any other punishments the court deems necessary on top of minimum penalties may apply.

Arizona Laws – Robbery and Armed Robbery

Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 13, Chapter 19, Robbery begins with the following citations:

A.R.S. §13-1901 Definitions: In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Force” means any physical act directed against a person as a means of gaining control of property. 2. “In the course of committing” includes any of the defendant’s acts beginning with the initiation and extending through the flight from a robbery. 3. “Property of another” means property of another as defined in section 13-1801. 4. “Threat” means a verbal or physical menace of imminent physical injury to a person.

A.R.S. §13-1902. Robbery; A. A person commits robbery if in the course of taking any property of another from his person or immediate presence and against his will; such person threatens or uses force against any person with intent either to coerce surrender of property or to prevent resistance to such person taking or retaining property. B. Robbery is a class 4 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1903 Aggravated Robbery A. A person commits aggravated robbery if in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person is aided by one or more accomplices actually present. B. Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1904 Armed Robbery A. A person commits armed robbery if, in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person or an accomplice: 1. Is armed with a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon; or 2. Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or a simulated deadly weapon. B. Armed robbery is a class 2 felony.

Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery Defense Tactics | Criminal Defense Attorney AZ If you are under investigation, been arrested, have active charges of Robbery or Armed Robbery in Arizona, you should immediately consult an Arizona criminal defense or Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer to discuss your situation and defense options. You should not discuss your case the police or investigators before consulting a good criminal defense attorney or Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer in Arizona. Anything you say can be held against you and jeopardize your defense. You should remain silent and politely request to speak with your criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Top Arizona criminal attorneys or Robbery or Armed Robbery defense Attorneys may use a multitude of defenses depending on the circumstances surrounding your Phoenix robbery charges or arrest. Below are just a few examples of defenses a good Phoenix criminal attorney might use as tactical defense strategies for robbery charges (This list is not inclusive):

• There are generally only a few witnesses to a robbery or armed robbery if any besides the victim. A good robbery or armed robbery defense attorney will challenge the State and make them prove the identity of their suspect, and thus be able to weaken the Phoenix prosecution’s case against you.

• You have constitutional rights under both State and Federal Law. If any of them were violated, evidence may be suppressed or even lead to charge dismissal.

• Experienced Attorneys, particularly former prosecutors, have critical insights into police procedures, protocol, prosecution tactics and strategies that may be used by police and prosecutors. Those attorneys will be able to use that knowledge to assist in defending your case, getting evidence dismissed, charges reduced, or robbery charges dismissed if proper procedures were not followed or misconduct by police occurred.

• Experienced robbery defense attorneys will challenge evidence such as surveillance tapes to with regard to whether or not it was in fact the right person arrested. In sum, robbery or armed robbery charges in Phoenix are dangerous to go at alone and try to defend yourself. In theory, the law is that you are innocent until proven guilty. But in practicality, without a good Phoenix criminal defense attorney, the criminal justice system will not look for your innocence, flaws in the prosecutions case, see strength in your arguments, or provide you will any empathy or favor. Conviction is imminent.

The job of the Phoenix prosecution on behalf of the state of Arizona is to convict you, not help you. With an experienced criminal defense attorney or robbery defense lawyer you will have a voice that is heard in the system, with compelling arguments, defense strategies, and an increased chance of getting your robbery charges dismissed, reduced, or otherwise the best outcome in your case.

Law Office of James Novak is devoted to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in Arizona, valley wide within Maricopa County including the cities of Phoenix, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe Arizona.

If you have been arrested for DUI or criminal charges in Maricopa County contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor).

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.

All Gilbert AZ robberies or armed robberies are charged as felonies. A crime is considered a robbery when the accused uses force, intimidation, or fear as a means of taking control of certain property from someone.

Armed Robbery is the same as robbery, with the added factor of the accused being armed with a weapon such as a firearm, or other weapon to gain control of the property from a person or place. Many objects can constitute a weapon and fall within the category of “armed robbery”. For example a broken glass bottle, a baseball bat, knife, or other objects which may or may not have been made for its intended use as a weapon.

Gilbert Robbery or Armed Robbery Penalties

Arizona Robbery and armed robbery charges must be taken serious. The penalties are severe and convictions treated with harsh sentencing by the Gilbert courts. If you are convicted of a “dangerous crime” (this is the case if a dangerous weapon is involved or used) the judge will order mandatory prison terms. If weapons are involved, someone is harmed, or even imminent threat of harm occurred, penalties can be doubled form the normal non-dangerous felony sentence range. Robbery sentencing carries a wide minimum and maximum range from 1 year up to 21 years or more in prison depending on the circumstances of each criminal count charged for the incident. Other fines, fees, restitution, or any other punishments the court deems necessary on top of minimum penalties may apply.

Arizona Laws -Robbery and Armed Robbery

Charges of robbery or armed robbery in Gilbert AZ fall under the authority of Laws, Classifications, Definitions, Penalties and Sentencing of the State of Arizona Laws: Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 13, Chapter 19, Robbery begins with the following citations:

A.R.S. §13-1901 Definitions: In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Force” means any physical act directed against a person as a means of gaining control of property. 2. “In the course of committing” includes any of the defendant’s acts beginning with the initiation and extending through the flight from a robbery. 3. “Property of another” means property of another as defined in section 13-1801. 4. “Threat” means a verbal or physical menace of imminent physical injury to a person.

A.R.S. §13-1902. Robbery; classification A. A person commits robbery if in the course of taking any property of another from his person or immediate presence and against his will; such person threatens or uses force against any person with intent either to coerce surrender of property or to prevent resistance to such person taking or retaining property. B. Robbery is a class 4 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1903 Aggravated Robbery A. A person commits aggravated robbery if in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person is aided by one or more accomplices actually present. B. Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1904 Armed Robbery A. A person commits armed robbery if, in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person or an accomplice: 1. Is armed with a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon; or 2. Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or a simulated deadly weapon. B. Armed robbery is a class 2 felony.

Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery Defense Tactics | Criminal Defense Attorney AZ If you are under investigation, been arrested, have active charges of Robbery or Armed Robbery in Arizona, you should immediately consult an Arizona criminal defense or Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer to discuss your situation and defense options. You should not discuss your case the police or investigators before consulting a good criminal defense attorney or Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer in Arizona. Anything you say can be held against you and jeopardize your defense. You should remain silent and politely request to speak with your criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Top Arizona criminal attorneys or Robbery or Armed Robbery defense Attorneys may use a multitude of defenses depending on the circumstances surrounding your Gilbert robbery charges or arrest. Below are just a few examples of defenses a good Gilbert criminal attorney might use as tactical defense strategies for robbery charges (This list is not inclusive):

• There are generally only a few witnesses to a robbery or armed robbery if any besides the victim. A good robbery or armed robbery defense attorney will challenge the State and make them prove the identity of their suspect, and thus be able to weaken the Gilbert prosecution’s case against you.

• You have constitutional rights under both State and Federal Law. If any of them were violated, evidence may be suppressed or even lead to charge dismissal.

• Experienced Attorneys, particularly former prosecutors, have critical insights into police procedures, protocol, prosecution tactics and strategies that may be used by police and prosecutors. Those attorneys will be able to use that knowledge to assist in defending your case, getting evidence dismissed, charges reduced, or robbery charges dismissed if proper procedures were not followed or misconduct by police occurred.

• Experienced robbery defense attorneys will challenge evidence such as surveillance tapes to with regard to whether or not it was in fact the right person arrested.

In sum, robbery or armed robbery charges in Gilbert are dangerous to go at alone and try to defend yourself through the maze of the criminal justice system. In theory, the law is that you are innocent until proven guilty. But in practicality, without a good Gilbert criminal defense attorney, the police and prosecution will not look for your innocence, flaws in the prosecutions case, see strength in your arguments, or bother to listen to your story without the formal defense of an Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney. The prosecutions job is to convict you. The judge will not provide empathy or favor. The judge will rarely if ever show you favor or empathy to dismiss your case. They must comply with the procedures and protocol required by the Gilbert Court. They can only ruling on legal motions, presentation of legal arguments through recognized channels, or follow the jury verdict if trial ensues.

With an experienced criminal defense attorney or robbery defense lawyer you will have a voice that is heard in the system, with compelling arguments, defense strategies, and an increased chance of getting your robbery charges dismissed, reduced, or otherwise the best outcome in your case.

Law Office of James Novak is devoted to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in Arizona, valley wide within Maricopa County including the cities of Gilbert , Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and Phoenix Arizona.

If you have been arrested for DUI or criminal charges in Maricopa County contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor).

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.

Mesa Robbery or Armed Robbery Charges Mesa robbery and armed robbery offenses are prosecuted very aggressively. If you were charged or arrested in Mesa, AZ for robbery or armed robbery you should consult an experienced Arizona criminal defense attorney who defends cases in the Mesa Court criminal justice system frequently to defend your charges.

The difference between burglary and robbery is that the act of burglary is an offense of forced entry or unlawful entering a building, residence, business or vehicle with the intent to commit or comment a felony theft within the structure. Robbery on the other hand is when the accused uses force, intimidation, or fear as a means of taking property from someone.

Armed Robbery is the same as robbery, with the added factor of the accused being armed with a weapon such as a firearm, or other weapon to gain control of the property from a person or place. It is important to understand, however, that many objects can constitute a weapon and fall within the category of “armed robbery”. For example a broken glass bottle, a baseball bat, knife, or other objects which are made or intended for other purposes.

Mesa Robbery or Armed Robbery Penalties Arizona Robbery and armed robbery charges must be taken serious. The penalties are severe and convictions treated with harsh sentencing by the Mesa courts. If the crime is designated a “dangerous crime” as is the case if a dangerous weapon is involved or used, the judge will order mandatory prison terms if convicted. If e weapons are involved, someone is harmed, or even imminent threat of harm occurred, penalties can be doubled form the normal non-dangerous felony sentence range. Robbery sentencing carries a wide minimum and maximum range from 1 year up to 21 years or more in prison depending on the circumstances of each criminal count charged for the incident. Other fines, fees, restitution, or any other punishments the court deems necessary on top of minimum penalties may apply.

Arizona Laws – Robbery and Armed Robbery Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 13, Chapter 19, Robbery begins with the following citations:

A.R.S. §13-1901 Definitions: In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Force” means any physical act directed against a person as a means of gaining control of property. 2. “In the course of committing” includes any of the defendant’s acts beginning with the initiation and extending through the flight from a robbery. 3. “Property of another” means property of another as defined in section 13-1801. 4. “Threat” means a verbal or physical menace of imminent physical injury to a person.

A.R.S. §13-1902. Robbery; classification A. A person commits robbery if in the course of taking any property of another from his person or immediate presence and against his will; such person threatens or uses force against any person with intent either to coerce surrender of property or to prevent resistance to such person taking or retaining property. B. Robbery is a class 4 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1903 Aggravated Robbery A. A person commits aggravated robbery if in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person is aided by one or more accomplices actually present. B. Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1904 Armed Robbery A. A person commits armed robbery if, in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person or an accomplice: 1. Is armed with a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon; or 2. Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or a simulated deadly weapon. B. Armed robbery is a class 2 felony.

Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery Defense Tactics | Criminal Defense Attorney AZ If you are under investigation, been arrested, have active charges of Robbery or Armed Robbery in Arizona, you should immediately consult an Arizona criminal defense or Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer to discuss your situation and defense options. You should not discuss your case the police or investigators before consulting a good criminal defense attorney or Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer in Arizona. Anything you say can be held against you and jeopardize your defense. You should remain silent and politely request to speak with your criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Top Arizona criminal attorneys or Robbery or Armed Robbery defense Attorneys may use a multitude of defenses depending on the circumstances surrounding your Mesa robbery charges or arrest. Below are just a few examples of defenses a good Mesa criminal attorney might use as tactical defense strategies for robbery charges (This list is not inclusive):

• There are generally only a few witnesses to a robbery or armed robbery if any besides the victim. A good robbery or armed robbery defense attorney will challenge the State and make them prove the identity of their suspect, and thus be able to weaken the Mesa prosecution’s case against you.

• You have constitutional rights under both State and Federal Law. If any of them were violated, evidence may be suppressed or even lead to charge dismissal.

• Experienced Attorneys, particularly former prosecutors, have critical insights into police procedures, protocol, prosecution tactics and strategies that may be used by police and prosecutors. Those attorneys will be able to use that knowledge to assist in defending your case, getting evidence dismissed, charges reduced, or robbery charges dismissed if proper procedures were not followed or misconduct by police occurred.

• Experienced robbery defense attorneys will challenge evidence such as surveillance tapes to with regard to whether or not it was in fact the right person arrested.

In sum, robbery or armed robbery charges in Mesa are dangerous to go at alone and try to defend yourself. In theory, the law is that you are innocent until proven guilty. But in practicality, without a good Mesa criminal defense attorney, the criminal justice system will not look for your innocence, flaws in the prosecutions case, see strength in your arguments, or provide you will any empathy or favor. Conviction is imminent.

The job of the Mesa prosecution on behalf of the state of Arizona is to convict you, not help you. With an experienced criminal defense attorney or robbery defense lawyer you will have a voice that is heard in the system, with compelling arguments, defense strategies, and an increased chance of getting your robbery charges dismissed, reduced, or otherwise the best outcome in your case.

more Law Office of James Novak is devoted to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in Arizona, valley wide within Maricopa County including the cities of Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert and Phoenix Arizona.

I f you have been arrested for DUI or criminal charges in Maricopa County contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.

The difference between burglary and robbery is that the act of burglary is an offense of forced entry or unlawful entering a building, residence, business or vehicle with the intent to commit or comment a felony theft within the structure.

Robbery on the other hand is when the accused uses force, intimidation, or fear as a means of taking property from someone. Armed Robbery is the same as robbery, with the added factor of the accused being armed with a weapon such as a firearm, or other weapon to gain control of the property from a person or place. It is important to understand, however, that many objects can constitute a weapon and fall within the category of “armed robbery”. For example a broken glass bottle, a baseball bat, knife, or other objects which are made or intended for other purposes.

Tempe Robbery or Armed Robbery Penalties in Arizona Arizona Robbery and armed robbery charges must be taken serious. The penalties are severe and convictions treated with harsh sentencing by the Tempe courts. If the crime is designated a “dangerous crime” as is the case if a dangerous weapon is involved or used, the judge will order mandatory prison terms if convicted. If e weapons are involved, someone is harmed, or even imminent threat of harm occurred, penalties can be doubled form the normal non-dangerous felony sentence range. Robbery sentencing carries a wide minimum and maximum range from 1 year up to 21 years or more in prison depending on the circumstances of each criminal count charged for the incident. Other fines, fees, restitution, or any other punishments the court deems necessary on top of minimum penalties may apply.

Arizona Laws -Robbery and Armed Robbery Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 13, Chapter 19, Robbery begins with the following citations:

A.R.S. §13-1901 Definitions: In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: 1. “Force” means any physical act directed against a person as a means of gaining control of property. 2. “In the course of committing” includes any of the defendant’s acts beginning with the initiation and extending through the flight from a robbery. 3. “Property of another” means property of another as defined in section 13-1801. 4. “Threat” means a verbal or physical menace of imminent physical injury to a person.

A.R.S. §13-1902. Robbery; classification A. A person commits robbery if in the course of taking any property of another from his person or immediate presence and against his will; such person threatens or uses force against any person with intent either to coerce surrender of property or to prevent resistance to such person taking or retaining property. B. Robbery is a class 4 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1903 Aggravated Robbery A. A person commits aggravated robbery if in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person is aided by one or more accomplices actually present. B. Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony.

A.R.S. §13-1904 Armed Robbery A. A person commits armed robbery if, in the course of committing robbery as defined in section 13-1902, such person or an accomplice: 1. Is armed with a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon; or 2. Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or a simulated deadly weapon. B. Armed robbery is a class 2 felony.

Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery Defense Tactics | Criminal Defense Attorney AZ If you are under investigation, been arrested, have active charges of Robbery or Armed Robbery in Arizona, you should immediately consult an Arizona criminal defense or Arizona Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer to discuss your situation and defense options. You should not discuss your case the police or investigators before consulting a good criminal defense attorney or Robbery or Armed Robbery lawyer in Arizona. Anything you say can be held against you and jeopardize your defense. You should remain silent and politely request to speak with your criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Top Arizona criminal attorneys or Robbery or Armed Robbery defense Attorneys may use a multitude of defenses depending on the circumstances surrounding your Tempe robbery charges or arrest. Below are just a few examples of defenses a good Tempe criminal attorney might use as tactical defense strategies for robbery charges (This list is not inclusive):

• There are generally only a few witnesses to a robbery or armed robbery if any besides the victim. A good robbery or armed robbery defense attorney will challenge the State and make them prove the identity of their suspect, and thus be able to weaken the Tempe prosecution’s case against you.

• You have constitutional rights under both State and Federal Law. If any of them were violated, evidence may be suppressed or even lead to charge dismissal.

• Experienced Attorneys, particularly former prosecutors, have critical insights into police procedures, protocol, prosecution tactics and strategies that may be used by police and prosecutors. Those attorneys will be able to use that knowledge to assist in defending your case, getting evidence dismissed, charges reduced, or robbery charges dismissed if proper procedures were not followed or misconduct by police occurred.

• Experienced robbery defense attorneys will challenge evidence such as surveillance tapes to with regard to whether or not it was in fact the right person arrested.

In sum, robbery or armed robbery charges in Tempe are dangerous to go at alone and try to defend yourself. In theory, the law is that you are innocent until proven guilty. But in practicality, without a good Tempe criminal defense attorney, the criminal justice system will not look for your innocence, flaws in the prosecutions case, see strength in your arguments, or provide you will any empathy or favor. Conviction is imminent.

The job of the Tempe prosecution on behalf of the state of Arizona is to convict you, not help you. With an experienced criminal defense attorney or robbery defense lawyer you will have a voice that is heard in the system, with compelling arguments, defense strategies, and an increased chance of getting your robbery charges dismissed, reduced, or otherwise the best outcome in your case.

more Law Office of James Novak is devoted to defending DUI, Drug & criminal charges in Arizona, valley wide within Maricopa County including the cities of Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, Mesa, Gilbert and Phoenix Arizona.

If you have been arrested for DUI or criminal charges in Maricopa County contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstances.