Being charged with robbery can be a scary moment in a person’s life. Robbery is a serious crime that can result in a felony conviction, jail time, and a large fine. When you or a family member have been charged with robbery, consider reaching out to an experienced criminal defense attorney from Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office, Chtd. immediately.
In these crucial moments after an arrest, a Mankato robbery lawyer could make a difference in your case’s outcome. Our legal team could help navigate the complexities of the case by improving your understanding and challenging a charge.
Many people think that robbery encompasses all crimes that involve taking someone’s property. However, the legal definition of robbery is more involved. In Minnesota, there are three kinds of robbery: simple robbery, aggravated robbery in the second degree, and aggravated robbery in the first degree.
As outlined in Minn. Stat. § 609.24, simple robbery is when someone uses force or threatens force to take another’s property. In this case, force does not mean using a weapon but can mean hitting or kicking. While all robberies are serious crimes, aggravated robbery is treated even more harshly under the law.
One of the differences between simple and aggravated robbery hinges on whether a dangerous weapon was involved. A dangerous weapon is an instrument that can cause death or substantial bodily harm, as outlined in § 609.02. These include items like guns and knives and can also include less obvious instruments like a car.
Additionally, § 609.245 states that a person can be charged with aggravated robbery in the second degree if they threaten someone with a dangerous weapon when committing a robbery. For instance, a defendant who threatens another with a knife if they do not give up their property can be charged with this crime.
Aggravated robbery in the first degree is when someone uses a weapon during a robbery. If someone is harmed or injured during a robbery, this would also be classified in the category.
A Mankato attorney specializing in robbery can not only explain the charges a client is facing but can formulate a defense to these charges. For example, if a person is charged with aggravated robbery in the second degree, an attorney can challenge whether there was a threat to use a dangerous weapon.
Another reason why it is essential to connect with a Mankato robbery attorney to fight a case is because of the punishments attached to the crime in Minnesota. The penalties that a robbery conviction carries are steep. Not only can a person be charged with prison time, but they could also be expected to pay a large fee. A simple robbery conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.
The punishments for aggravated robbery are even worse. The second-degree aggravated robbery penalty is up to 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine. Similarly, the penalty for aggravated robbery in the first degree is up to 20 years in prison and/or a $35,000 fine.
Thinking about the future can be challenging if you or a loved one is facing a robbery charge. The following steps may be overwhelming because of different factors but consider contacting a Mankato robbery lawyer as soon as possible. A payment plan for criminal matters is available if a person has a financial need.
Speak to one of our attorneys about setting up a meeting. Let us assist you and your family with this process in these challenging times.
