Experienced Denver Robbery Criminal Defense Attorney
Maybe the situation went beyond your control, or maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps you trusted someone that you should not have trusted and now you are paying the price. There are all kinds of reasons why someone in Colorado might find themselves facing a robbery charge. If you are in this position, it is absolutely vital to your future that you mount the strongest possible defense – and that you do it with the assistance of an experienced Denver robbery attorney who has successfully handled cases like these before.
Why? The first thing that the police and prosecutor are going to attempt to do is convince you to take a plea deal and admit your guilt by scaring you with the consequences if you do not. Depending on the actual robbery offense you are facing, you could end up going to prison for anywhere from six to 24 years and paying fines from $500,000 to $1 million.
Even if you do not scare easily, those are numbers that could frighten anyone. Especially if law enforcement officials succeed in their attempts to convince you that you have no chance to beat your charges and that if you do not accept their plea deal – right then – your life is effectively over.
Denver robbery defense attorney Jeff Weeden understands how scary those penalties sound. What he also knows, though, is that there are all kinds of ways to battle accusations and get your charges and consequences reduced, or even altogether dropped or dismissed – something he has been able to accomplish for many clients just like you.
When you work with WeedenLaw, we will always put your needs and desires first, because we know that it is your life and future on the line – and that is not something to play with. To speak with an experienced Denver criminal defense attorney regarding your robbery case, call (720) 307-4330 or reach out online to set up your free initial consultation today.
Is Robbery Considered a Violent Crime?
Yes. Robbery is considered a violent crime because it involves the use of force or threat of force to commit theft. This is especially true if the robbery involved a deadly weapon. In Colorado, aggravated robbery is actually classified as an “extraordinary risk crime,” which can lead to more severe prison sentences, fines, and other increased penalties.
For those facing the daunting aspect of a conviction for violent crimes in Colorado, Denver violent crime attorney Jeff Weeden stands ready to provide dedicated legal assistance and an aggressive defense. Call today to learn more.
Types of Robbery Charges in Colorado
There are different levels of robbery crimes under Colorado law: simple robbery, aggravated robbery, and aggravated robbery of controlled substances. The charges you face depend on what is taken and how it is taken and can determine the sentence you receive if convicted.
Simple Robbery
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-4-301, the act of robbery occurs when a person knowingly takes something of value from someone else through the use of force, threats, or intimidation. The object (or objects) taken may either be on the person or simply in their presence. Simple robbery is a Class 4 felony in Colorado.
Aggravated Robbery
The crime of aggravated robbery can be found in § 18-4-302 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Aggravated robbery (or armed robbery, as it is sometimes called) occurs when the perpetrator, during the act of robbery:
- Is armed with a deadly weapon (gun, knife, hammer, tire iron, or any other weapon capable of producing death or serious bodily injury) with intent to kill, maim, or wound anyone if resisted;
- Knowingly wounds or strikes another with a deadly weapon, or uses force, threats, or intimidation with a deadly weapon;
- Has an armed accomplice;
- Carries any item that is used or altered in such a way that it would cause a reasonable person to believe it is a deadly weapon;
- Verbally or otherwise represents that he is armed with such a weapon at that time.
Due to the aggravating factors involved and the fact that it is considered an extraordinary risk crime, aggravated robbery is a Class three felony and comes with enhanced penalties.
Aggravated Robbery of Controlled Substances
Aggravated robbery of a controlled substance occurs when an individual forcibly steals a controlled substance from a pharmacy or any other place where these substances are legally stored. Given the high value and regulated nature of pharmaceutical drugs, penalties for this form of robbery are typically even more stringent. In fact, Colorado considers this type of robbery a Class 2 felony.
What To Do if You’re Charged With Robbery
If you’re charged with robbery in Colorado, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your legal rights and future. Given the serious implications of a conviction, which can include substantial fines and prison time, the best thing you can do for yourself is hire a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
An attorney like Jeff Weeden, who has decades of experience handling complex criminal cases, can provide invaluable assistance, from meticulously evaluating the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and if necessary, representing you in court.
What are the Penalties for Robbery in Colorado?
As you might expect, the penalties for robbery in Colorado vary depending on the severity of the crime. Below are the penalties you may be facing if you’ve been charged with simple robbery, aggravated robbery, or robbery of a controlled substance:
- Simple Robbery (Class 4 Felony)
- Prison sentence ranging from two to up to six years
- Three years of mandatory parole
- Fines ranging from $2,000 to up to $500,000
- Aggravated Robbery (Class 3 Felony)
- Requires mandatory sentencing of at least four years prison but up to 12 years
- Five years of mandatory parole
- Fines up to $500,000
- Aggravated Robbery of Controlled Substances (Class 2 Felony)
-
- Prison sentence of anywhere from 16 to 48 years
- Five years of mandatory parole
- Fines up to $1,000,000
Each of these criminal charges also results in a permanent criminal record, which can have long-term effects on a person’s ability to find employment, secure housing, and much more.
Defense Strategies for Denver Robbery Charges
One of the most important things to remember is that the prosecution has to prove your guilt. All you have to do is create a reasonable doubt that you are not guilty.
There are a number of strategies that Attorney Weeden has used to do just that in past robbery cases he has taken on, including:
- Mistaken Identity – Were you picked out of a lineup? Or arrested because video surveillance shows someone who looks like you? You may be able to use a defense arguing that you are being confused with the real culprit. This can be a particularly strong strategy if combined with the following one.
- Alibi – If the robbery occurred at 3:45 on Tuesday and you can provide evidence showing that you were somewhere else at the time, that is a strong argument that you could not have committed the crime. Alibis tend to be stronger if you were present in a visible, public place or if there is some kind of clear record of your attendance.
- “True Owner” Defense – The charge of robbery hinges on knowingly taking another’s property from them by force, threats, or intimidation. What if you genuinely believed that the item in question was yours, though? For example, what if you left your smartphone in the bathroom at a party, and when you saw someone at the party using it later, you confronted them and snatched it back… except in actuality, it was their phone. If charges are pressed, you could use this argument to mitigate the consequences against you.
There are other possible strategies, including duress, entrapment, and more. Which one is right for you will depend upon the specific circumstances of your case and what charges you are facing.
What Denver Robbery Defense Attorney Jeff Weeden Can Do For You
Experienced Denver robbery attorney Jeff Weeden has been a practicing criminal defense attorney since 2005, and he understands both how cops and prosecutors work in general and what kinds of strategies work best in a Colorado robbery case.
Where law enforcement officials are concerned, Mr. Weeden’s first goal if you hire him quickly enough will be to make sure he is present for any meetings or interviews you participate in with police or prosecutors. Why? Because their job is to make sure you are convicted, and they have a lot of leeway to successfully complete that job. They do not even have to tell you the truth in most cases. All that matters is what they are able to get you to say or do that they can use against you.
If theft crime defense attorney Jeff Weeden is able to sit in with you on these interviews and interrogations, he will be able to guide you through what you should say and do and watch carefully to make sure that procedures are followed and your rights are not violated. He will do whatever it takes to achieve dropped charges or a case dismissal, if at all possible. Moreover, he can tell you whether or not he believes you are being presented with a good deal if a plea is offered – or if you are likely to receive a better outcome by continuing to fight.
Of course, this is only the beginning of how he can bolster your chances at reaching the best possible outcome. Throughout the entire process, Mr. Weeden will be talking with you to learn about the details of your situation and collecting evidence, testimony, and more to curate an aggressive defense that he can use to cast doubt on the arguments of the other side and decrease the chance that you will be found guilty in a jury trial.
Call Jeff Weeden and Start Fighting for Your Future Today
A robbery conviction is a life-changing event that can negatively impact the rest of your life and leave you struggling forever. By equipping yourself with the right legal counsel, however, you set yourself up for the best chance at success.
At WeedenLaw, experienced Denver robbery lawyer Jeff Weeden is ready to provide you with a strong defense against your robbery charges (or any other theft charge you may be facing). He understands the ins and outs of the Colorado justice system and court process and is committed to guiding you through it while fighting for your freedom and future.
Though based in the Denver area, our law office regularly works with clients all throughout Denver County, Jefferson County, Douglas County, Arapahoe County, Adams County, and beyond.
Fight back by reaching out to WeedenLaw and working with our top criminal defense lawyers in Denver to craft the best defense for your situation. Do it now by calling us at (720) 307-4330, emailing jlweeden@weedenlaw.com, or completing our online case evaluation form for a free consultation. We look forward to helping you through this challenging time.
