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Defending Your Rights and Your Freedom - Robbery Defense
Call on The Norris Law Group in Shreveport, LA
In Louisiana, robbery involves an alleged offender taking another person's property through force or intimidation. A robbery conviction can have devastating, long-term consequences. For example, a person who is hoping to work in the oil and gas, shipping, or chemical industries may be unable to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC card) if they have a robbery conviction.
An arrest doesn't mean that you'll be convicted. Seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. The Norris Law Group will take the time needed to investigate your case and present a strong defense on your behalf.
Contact our office to obtain a complete and thorough evaluation of your case. Call 318-771-7000 immediately to schedule a confidential consultation.
Louisiana Robbery Laws
- Simple robbery:1 the taking of anything of value from the person or within the immediate control of another, by use of force or intimidation, when the alleged offender is not armed with a dangerous weapon.
- Purse snatching:2 the taking of anything of value contained in a purse or wallet at the time of a theft, from the person of another or within their immediate control, by use of force, intimidation, or snatching, without being armed with a dangerous weapon.
- First-degree robbery:3 the taking of anything of value from the person or within the immediate control of another, by use of force or intimidation, when the alleged offender causes the alleged victim to reasonably believe they are armed with a dangerous weapon.
- Second degree robbery:4 identical to first-degree robbery but involves the alleged offender intentionally inflicting serious bodily injury.
- Armed robbery:5 the taking of anything of value from the person of another or within their immediate control, by use of force or intimidation, while armed with a dangerous weapon. Enhanced penalties are given for an armed robbery in which the dangerous weapon is a firearm.
- Carjacking: the intentional taking of a motor vehicle belonging to a person, in the presence of any person in lawful possession of the motor vehicle, by use of force or intimidation.
Penalties for a Robbery Conviction
A simple robbery conviction is punishable by a fine of up to $3,000 and/or imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for up to seven years. Purse snatching convictions are punishable by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for a minimum of two years to 20 years.
First-degree robbery convictions are punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for a minimum of three years to 40 years, without benefit of parole, probation or suspension of imposition or execution of sentence. A second-degree robbery conviction is punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for a minimum of three years to 40 years.
Carjacking convictions are punishable by imprisonment at hard labor for a minimum of two years to 20 years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence if convicted.
An armed robbery conviction could result in imprisonment at hard labor for a minimum of 10 years to 99 years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. If the armed robbery involves the use of a firearm, a conviction can carry an additional period of 5 years without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. The additional 5 years must be served consecutively to the original sentence imposed.
Defending Against Charges
There are many ways to defend against robbery charges. In some cases, it is possible that an alleged offender is innocent and was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator by law enforcement. It could be proved that you were not present at the time of an alleged offense. Law enforcement officers may have relied on unreliable eyewitness testimony, or even lineups, to determine alleged offenders, without any proof that the person committed the crime.
Robbery charges can also become complex, especially if there is a dispute about ownership of the property in question. An attorney can help you exercise your legal rights and prove your ownership claims.
No matter the facts behind your criminal charges, you do not want to fight these charges alone. Any type of robbery conviction could have dramatic consequences on your life, including the inability to find and maintain gainful employment, vote, and the inability to obtain certain kinds of governmental assistance, such as housing and education.
Contact Ebonee Norris, with The Norris Law Group, at (318) 771-7000 today.
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