Robbery.
Robbery Is A Severe Charge That Can Result In Prison Sentences Upwards Of 30 Years – Madison County Robbery Attorney Robert Bas Can Help
As one of the most common property crimes committed in Madison County, robbery is a severe charge that can result in prison sentences upwards of 30 years, depending on the nature of the crime. In 2008, over 17,300 individuals were convicted of robbery in Madison County. This is nearly three times the rate of robbery convictions averaged throughout U.S.
For the best chances of minimal or no conviction, it’s essential that those accused of robbery in Madison County and surrounding areas consult with an experienced robbery lawyer at the Law Offices of Robert Bas.
As with murder or arson, robbery charges in Madison County can vary drastically from case to case depending on a number of factors. For robbery specifically, some of the aggravating factors may involve whether:
· Force was used (including verbal threats) during the act or the victim was injured
· A weapon or firearm is used during the act or the person suggests they have a weapon (even if they don’t)
· The defendant invaded the home of another individual during the act or the victim was elderly
In Illinois, there are many different robbery charges, all of which are felony offenses. The following details each of the robbery crimes:
· Robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-1), a charge or offense in which an individual is accused of taking another person’s property by use of force, is a Class 2 felony, carrying 3 to 7 years of prison time. Robbery charges may be elevated to Class 1 felonies if they are committed in a school or place of worship; or if they are committed against handicapped or elderly individuals (i.e. those over 60 years old). Robbery cases most often rely on the use of eyewitness testimony. The person who was robbed will have to come to court and identify the suspect as the person who committed the crime. It is understood that eyewitness testimony is often unreliable and therefore people can be mistakenly accused or even convicted. An aggressive criminal defense attorney will cross examine the prosecution witnesses to show that they were mistaken in identifying the suspect. Such expert cross examination can be the difference between prison time and a finding of not guilty.
· Aggravated robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-5), a charge or offense in which an individual is accused of unlawfully taking another person’s property by stating or suggesting through their actions that they have a weapon or firearm. An example of aggravated robbery would be a person who walks up to an individual on the street and demands money. In this example, the robber does not actually have a gun but puts his hand under his jacket pretending he is in possession of a weapon. This is a more serious offense than simple robbery and will be prosecuted more severely. Aggravated robbery convictions are punishable by anywhere from 4 to 15 years of prison time in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
· Armed robbery (720 ILCS 5/18-2), a charge or offense in which an individual is accused of using a dangerous weapon to illegally take another person’s property, is a Class X felony and is punishable by 6 to 30 years prison time in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Where the weapon is a firearm, 15 years will be added to the sentence, making the range of sentence 21-45 years in prison. Armed robbery is probably the most common of robbery charges. Although most armed robberies are carried out with a gun, this does not have to be the case. Armed robbery can be committed with a knife, baseball bat, tire iron or any other dangerous weapon. If you or a loved one is charged with armed robbery, you need to consult immediately with a qualified, experienced and top notch Madison County criminal defense attorney.
Other less common charges or offenses include vehicular hijacking (720 ILCS 5/18-3) and aggravated vehicular hijacking (720 ILCS 5/18-4). These cases involve a person that unlawfully takes another person’s vehicle through the use or threat of force. The vehicular hijacking is a Class 1 felony while the aggravated charge is a Class X felony. In these types of cases, the suspect will also face charges of auto theft and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. These charges are very serious and require the experience of a veteran criminal defense lawyer in Madison County or Cook County.
How Former Madison County Prosecutor Mr. Robert Bas Can Help You
· Thoroughly examine all of the opposing evidence in the case, including witness statements, to look for any possible incongruities and/or fallacies
· Scrutinize the facts of the case to find new evidence that will bolster the defense
· Find ballistics experts, forensic scientists and other specialists who can provide expert testimony (to further strengthen the defense), when necessary in legal proceedings
· Represent the defendant in all necessary legal proceedings, including bail hearings, trial proceedings and parole violation proceedings.
When arrested for and facing serious criminal charges, it is critical to find a great criminal defense lawyer who is at the top of his profession. Finding an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best thing you can do to protect your reputation and avoid jail time or prison time.