New York City Robbery Lawyer
Robbery charges in New York City should always be taken seriously as it is classified as a violent act and can carry significant penalties including fines, prison time, and probation – not to mention having a criminal background with can affect your life for years to come.
If you have been charged with robbery, contact a New York City robbery lawyer who can review the specific charges against you. Your qualified theft defense attorney can determine what legal defenses may be available to you, and discuss what course of action makes the most sense for your situation.
Three Degrees of New York City Robbery
As a New York City attorney could explain, robbery is the forcible taking of property with the intention of permanently depriving the rightful owner of it.
While a forceful taking can include the use of a gun, a knife, or anything else which might be considered a weapon, it can also include simply pushing or shoving. According to New York Penal Law § 160, et seq., there are three degrees of robbery:
Robbery in the First-Degree
A person is guilty of robbery in the first degree when they forcibly steal property and when, in the course of the commission of the crime or of immediate flight, they or another participant in the crime:
- Causes serious physical injury to an alleged victim
- Is armed with a deadly weapon
- Uses or threatens the use of a dangerous instrument
- Displays a firearm
New York first-degree robbery is considered a Class B felony which can result in 10 to 25 years in prison, probation, and significant fines which can include double the financial gain from the robbery.
Robbery in the Second-Degree
According to knowledgeable New York City robbery lawyers, a person is guilty of robbery in the second-degree when they forcibly steal property and when:
- They are aided by another person
- Someone is injured in the commission of the act
- A firearm (or what appears to be a firearm) is shown in the commission of the act
- The property in question is a vehicle (such as in a carjacking)
New York second-degree robbery is considered a Class C felony which can result in seven to 15 years in prison, probation, and significant fines which can include double the financial gain from the robbery.
Robbery in the Third-Degree
A person is guilty of robbery in the third-degree when they forcibly steal property. This is generally without the use of a weapon and can include purse snatching, or pushing and shoving to steal a wallet, shopping bag, or anything else.
New York third-degree robbery is considered a Class D felony which can result in two to seven years in prison, probation, and significant fines which can include double the financial gain from the robbery. A skilled New York City robbery attorney can attempt to mitigate the penalties that the defendant faces.
Consulting a New York City Robbery Attorney
If you have been charged with robbery, it is important to retain experienced criminal defense counsel to protect your rights and determine whether the charges against you can be dismissed or mitigated through a plea bargain. Contact an experienced New York City robbery lawyer to discuss your situation so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you.