What is Robbery?
Robbery is a serious criminal charge in the State of Minnesota – primarily because it creates a significant risk to the public at large. Moreover, if a jury convicts you of robbery, you may be sentenced to serve time in jail and pay substantial monetary fines, along with other serious penalties and consequences. The best decision you make if you are faced with a robbery charge is choosing an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you throughout your case.
If you or a person you love is facing a criminal robbery charge, the knowledgeable team of Minnesota robbery defense lawyers at Gerald Miller P.A. will prepare a strong legal defense on your behalf and pursue the best possible result in your criminal case. We can also guide you through the entire legal process and ensure that your legal rights are safeguarded. Please call us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your robbery charge.
Levels of Minnesota Robbery Charges
Robbery is a felony charge in Minnesota that has three separate categories of robbery charges: simple robbery, aggravated second-degree robbery, and aggravated first-degree robbery. The level of your robbery charge depends upon all of the facts and circumstances surrounding the offense. In most cases, state prosecutors will charge you with the highest crime for which they think they can realistically obtain a conviction.
Simple Robbery
In order for an individual to be convicted of simple robbery, the prosecution must prove that the accused used some degree of force (or threat of force) to obtain property from another individual. Physical threats and verbal threats both constitute a threat of force by one individual against another. Kicking, pushing, hitting, shoving, and punching are examples of physical force used during the course of committing a simple robbery. To convict an individual of a simple robbery charge, it is important to note that the alleged victim does not have to sustain an actual physical injury due to the incident.
Aggravated Second-Degree Robbery
Aggravated second-degree robbery, on the other hand, is a more serious offense. A prosecutor could charge an individual with aggravated second-degree robbery if the individual implied, by physical act or verbal communication, that they had a dangerous weapon to the alleged victim. This implication can be as simple as stating to the alleged victim at the time of the robbery that the accused possesses a firearm. Again, the alleged victim does not need to suffer harm in order for the accused to be convicted of the robbery offense.
Aggravated First-Degree Robbery
Finally, to convict someone of aggravated first-degree robbery, the state prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused used a dangerous weapon (or an object reasonably considered to be a dangerous weapon under the circumstance) during the commission of the robbery. Aggravated first-degree robbery is also an appropriate charge if the accused inflicted some type of bodily harm on the alleged victim during the commission of the robbery.
For an aggravated first-degree robbery conviction, the accused need not necessarily use a firearm, knife, or sharp object to commit the crime. In fact, motor vehicles, toy guns (when appearing realistic), or any other object used to threaten or commit violence may satisfy the dangerous weapon requirement for aggravated first-degree robbery charge.
Potential Penalties for a Minnesota Robbery Conviction
If a jury convicts you of committing a robbery, you may have to serve jail time, pay a fine, or serve months or years of probation. The court may also prohibit you from voting or possessing a firearm in the future, in addition to placing a robbery conviction on your permanent criminal record.
A conviction for simple robbery can result in a maximum of 10 years in incarceration and/or a monetary fine no greater than $20,000. A second-degree aggravated robbery conviction can result in a maximum of 15 years in incarceration and/or a monetary fine no greater than $30,000. A first-degree aggravated robbery conviction can result in a maximum of 20 years in incarceration and/or a monetary fine no greater than $35,000.
An experienced Minnesota robbery defense attorney at Gerald Miller P.A. can represent you at your sentencing hearing and work to minimize the legal and personal consequences that might result from a robbery conviction in Minnesota.
Talk to a Minnesota Robbery Defense Lawyer Today
Robbery charges and convictions in Minnesota must always be taken seriously. If you are facing a criminal charge for robbery, the legal team at Gerald Miller P.A. is ready to assist you with your defense. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Minnesota robbery defense attorney, please give us a call at 612-440-4610 or contact us online for more information.
