Robbery
Sometimes, in the course of a theft, a robber may injure someone or use a weapon. Texas law defines these actions as robbery, a felony offense.
In the following article, we’ll go over the actions necessary to classify a theft as a robbery as well as the penalties and possible defenses for robbery charges.
Austin Robbery Defense Lawyers
Being falsely accused of robbery is life-changing. Sometimes, when a person has a prior conviction, the easiest thing for police to do is look for an easy target. In either case, you need a strong lawyer.
The Law Office of Kevin Bennet is ready to protect your right to a free life. Kevin Bennet has decades of experience defending clients in all manner of the law, including robbery and theft charges. Kevin Bennett serves individuals in Travis County, West Lake Hills, Sunset Valley, Lakeway, Austin, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, and the surrounding areas in Texas.
Contact Kevin Bennett today at (512) 476-4626 to schedule a free consultation about your robbery charges in Travis County.
Information Center
- How Robbery is Defined in Texas
- Penalties for Robbery in Texas
- Additional Resources
- Hire a Robbery Defense Attorney in Austin, Texas
Understanding Robbery
Robbery and theft are often used interchangeably, but they are very different charges. While theft refers to the illegal taking of a person’s property, robbery is defined by Texas Penal Code 29.02 and 29.03 as actions which may occur in the course of that theft. While theft may be as low as a misdemeanor, robbery is prosecuted as a first or second-degree felony.
Robbery occurs when a person knowingly, intentionally or recklessly:
- Causes bodily injury or
- Threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death
Aggravated Robbery
If the result of a robbery is serious injury or involves a deadly weapon, then the charge may be elevated to “aggravated” and will be prosecuted as a first-degree felony.
The circumstances that may result in an aggravated charge are the following:
- Causing serious bodily injury
- Using or showing a deadly weapon such as a knife or gun
- Causing any level of bodily injury to a protected person such as an elderly or disabled person
Robbery is a Felony Offense
The consequences of robbery are high. The following table is a penalty schedule for robbery and aggravated robbery.
| Robbery | Second-Degree Felony |
|
| Aggravated Robbery | First-Degree Felony |
|
In addition to the above offenses, robbery is often rolled in with other charges such as assault, theft and possibly manslaughter or homicide.
Defenses Against Robbery Charges
Many of the common defenses against robbery involve either demonstrating that the alleged theft did not contain the elements necessary for a robbery charge or that the theft did not occur in the first place.
- Mitigating charges: If it is impossible to dispute that theft took place and that you were involved in some way, then your lawyer may seek to prove that robbery did not occur in the pursuance of the theft. This may include demonstrating that no injury occurred as a result of the theft and that the other person did not have reason to fear for his or her safety. Other elements will rely on the prosecution’s argument.
- Refuting charges: Your lawyer may instead seek to wholly refute the charges of theft. In this case, he or she will attempt to prove that you could not have conducted the action via an alibi and/or lack of physical or digital evidence.
Additional Resources
Jugging – The Travis County Sheriff’s Department provides helpful resources on new and common crimes and how to avoid them. In this link, the TCSD provides information on “jugging”, a form of mugging that has risen rapidly in popularity.
Safe Neighborhoods – Similarly, the Travis County Sheriff’s Department offers information on securing homes to prevent theft and home robbery. Some key tips include using a deadbolt, the right types of doors to use and how to secure your home when you’re not there. The guide also extends to apartments and condominiums.
Crimeviewer – Offered by the Austin Police Department, Crimeviewer allows residents to look at reported crimes and find high-density locations to avoid.
Hire a Robbery Defense Attorney in Austin, TX
The Law Office of Kevin Bennet is ready to protect your right to a free life. Kevin Bennet has decades of experience defending clients in all manner of the law, including robbery and theft charges. Kevin Bennett serves individuals in Travis County, West Lake Hills, Sunset Valley, Lakeway, Austin, Pflugerville, Lago Vista, and the surrounding areas in Texas.
Contact Kevin Bennett today at (512) 476-4626 to schedule a free consultation about your cyberstalking charges in Travis County.
