Is Robbery a Felony in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a felony is an offense that, if convicted, is punishable by more than 1 year of incarceration. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious offenses that carry lower penalties. Robbery is a felony offense in Minnesota, and a conviction potentially means long periods of incarceration, monetary fines, probation, community service, and other serious consequences.
If you or a person you care about is facing a Minnesota robbery charge, you must have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side to defend you against this serious criminal charge in court. The Minnesota robbery defense lawyers at Gerald Miller P.A. will work to protect your legal rights while your criminal case is pending. We will also formulate a strong legal defense to assert in court or work on a favorable plea deal with the prosecuting attorney in your case. Please give us a call today to find out more about how we can assist you with your robbery charge.
Simple Robbery Charges
A conviction of simple robbery can land the defendant in jail or subject them to serious criminal penalties. In order to be charged with committing a simple robbery, the defendant must have used force or a threat of force to obtain another individual’s goods or property.
Striking, pushing, or kicking another person is all considered a use of force. A threat of force occurs when an individual physically threatens, verbally threatens, or some combination of the two, to take goods or property from the other person. It is crucial to keep in mind that an individual can be convicted of simple robbery even if the alleged victim was not physically harmed.
More Serious Felony Robbery Charges
Second-degree and first-degree robbery charges are more serious than simple robbery charges.
A prosecutor can charge an individual with aggravated second-degree robbery if the accused appeared to have a dangerous weapon in their possession during the robbery, or implied that they did to the alleged victim. For example, the accused may have reached into a pocket as if to grab a firearm, or stated they had one. It is unnecessary for an alleged victim to sustain an injury in order to charge someone else with second-degree robbery.
In order for a Minnesota state court to charge a defendant with aggravated first-degree robbery, the accused must have employed a dangerous weapon in the commission of the robbery. Alternatively, the accused could have used an object in a manner that led the alleged victim to believe the accused was actually armed with a dangerous weapon.
An aggravated first-degree robbery charge may also result if the accused physically harmed the alleged victim during a robbery.
Felony Robbery Conviction Penalties
In order for a Minnesota state court to convict a defendant, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, or beyond a doubt that is based upon ordinary common sense and reason, that the defendant did indeed commit the crime of which they are accused. If the accused individual is convicted, it is up to a criminal court judge to pass sentence.
Sentencing judges have statutory guidelines for imposing penalties in criminal cases. For a simple robbery conviction, a judge can sentence the defendant to up to 10 years of jail time, $20,000 in monetary fines, or both. For an aggravated second-degree robbery conviction, a judge can sentence the defendant to up to 15 years of jail time, $30,000 in monetary fines, or both. For a first-degree robbery conviction, a judge can sentence the defendant to up to 20 years of jail time, $35,000 in monetary fines, or both.
If a Minnesota state court has convicted you or a person you love of a robbery charge, the knowledgeable Minnesota robbery defense lawyers at Gerald Miller P.A. are ready to represent you at a sentencing hearing and advocate on your behalf. Our legal team will do everything possible to minimize the financial, legal, and personal consequences associated with a felony robbery conviction.
Speak with a Knowledgeable Minnesota Robbery Defense Lawyer Today
A robbery conviction can place a damper on the rest of your life. In addition to serving jail time and paying fines, the conviction will be a black mark on your permanent record and could prevent you from finding a place to live, get a job, or go to school. The experienced team of attorneys at Gerald Miller P.A. will be able to assist you with every aspect of your felony criminal case.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Minnesota robbery defense attorney, please give us a call at 612-440-4610 or contact us online for more information.
