Being charged with a serious crime, like robbery in San Antonio, Texas, can leave a person feeling as if the entire criminal justice system is against them. While it may feel as if you have no options and that you are on your own, that is not the case. A robbery conviction in Texas can lead to serious legal repercussions and additional consequences in your everyday life. However, when you work with a San Antonio robbery defense lawyer, it may be possible to have the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether.
If you are suspected of committing robbery in San Antonio, it is vital that you partner with our skilled criminal defense lawyer. When you work with the legal team at Sophia Martinez Law, we will work diligently to protect your rights. When your freedom and future opportunities are on the line, you can rely on former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez to construct a solid strategy to defend your case.
How Is Robbery Defined Under Texas State Law?
Many people often confuse robbery and theft or assume that they refer to the same crime. However, if you are charged with robbery, it is crucial that you fully understand how robbery is defined under Texas state law.
In the state of Texas, robbery is defined as the use of force, or the threat of the use of force, to steal another person’s property. Robbery can take many forms and may include any of the following crimes:
- Mugging
- Carjacking
- Purse snatching
- The use of a gun to hold up a convenience store, bank, or another establishment
Robbery is deemed to be a serious crime, and as a result, those who are convicted of robbery in Texas will face severe legal penalties. If you have been accused of robbery in San Antonio, Attorney Sophia C. Martinez may be able to help you avoid the penalties you could be facing by helping you defend your rights and interests through a strong defense case.
What Are the Legal Penalties You Face if Charged With Robbery in Texas?
If you have been charged with robbery in San Antonio, Texas, the resulting penalties you may face if convicted could be life-changing. Robbery is a serious crime that is not taken lightly by Texas courts. If you have been arrested for robbery, you may be facing the following legal repercussions:
Robbery
When you are charged with plain robbery, you are facing a second-degree felony. This charge carries a potential penalty of two to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. The degree of severity of these penalties relies heavily on your arrest record.
Aggravated Robbery
If you are charged with aggravated robbery, you may be facing much more serious penalties as a result. Robbery becomes classified as aggravated if you do any of the following:
- Cause serious bodily injury to another person
- Use or exhibit a deadly weapon during the robbery
- Cause bodily injury to another individual or threaten to when that person is either 65 years old or disabled
Individuals charged with aggravated robbery face a first-degree felony, up to 99 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
What Are Common Defense Tactics for Individuals Accused of Robbery?
If you have been charged with robbery, there are several different defense tactics at your disposal to help get the charges against you reduced or dropped. However, in order to ensure that your defense case is strong, it is important that you work with experienced San Antonio robbery defense attorney Sophia C. Martinez. Some of the most common defense tactics for an individual accused of robbery in San Antonio are as follows:
Innocence
In a case involving robbery, the court has the burden of proving that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden of proof means that you may be able to avoid a conviction by countering the prosecution’s evidence or by providing evidence that undermines the prosecution’s case against you.
Entrapment
If another party pushed you into committing the crime of robbery that you would not have committed under normal circumstances, you may have an entrapment defense.
Duress
If you and your lawyer are able to provide evidence that someone forced you to commit the robbery by threatening you with immediate death or bodily injury, you may have a strong defense against the robbery charges being brought against you.
Regardless of the defense tactic that best suits your case, having the help of skilled Texas Attorney Sophia C. Martinez is essential to ensuring that you have someone fighting for your rights and interests.
Get Help From a San Antonio Robbery Defense Lawyer
Former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez is skilled at defending people accused of robbery in San Antonio, Texas. With over 25 years of experience supporting the accused during their fight for justice, Sophia Martinez Law is dedicated to helping you with your case.
To schedule a free evaluation of your case with San Antonio robbery defense Attorney Sophia C. Martinez, contact the Sophia Martinez Law office today by completing our contact form or calling (210) 226-3000. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also speak Spanish.