Robbery involves taking someone else’s goods, property, or personal items by using violence or threatening to use violence against them for intimidation. While many confuse robbery and burglary, robbery is a violent criminal offense in South Carolina with much harsher penalties.
A conviction for robbery could have life-altering effects on your life, including a lengthy prison sentence, hefty fines, and a felony criminal conviction on your permanent criminal record. Fortunately, a Goose Creek robbery lawyer could help you. Call our talented criminal attorneys today to schedule a consultation when you face theft charges.
The Difference Between Strong-Arm and Armed Robbery
Strong-arm robbery is a less severe criminal offense than armed robbery. When the evidence does not prove the accused possessed a weapon at the time of the crime, they can only be guilty of strong-arm robbery. While strong-arm robbery is less severe, a conviction is punishable by up to 15 years.
Armed robbery has a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and could mean up to 30 years in prison. A Goose Creek attorney could investigate the cause of arrest and thoroughly review the state’s evidence to determine the most effective action in a robbery case.
South Carolina Robbery and Attempted Robbery Statute
Robbery is a severe felony offense in South Carolina, and the penalties will depend on the case-specific circumstances. The state follows felony classification and sentencing guidelines. According to the instruction of the South Carolina Code of Laws Unannotated § 16-11-330, anyone who uses or threatens to use a weapon, such as a firearm, to take someone else’s property from them is guilty of robbery or attempted robbery when they do not follow through with the crime.
Aggravating Factors
Aggravating factors in robbery criminal cases are specific details about the criminal action or the defendant’s background that elevates the severity of the charges. These factors could include the use of a firearm or a preexisting criminal history.
The Elements Necessary to Prove Robbery
Proving a robbery crime requires showing the defendant did one of the following:
- Committed or attempted to commit robbery
- Used a weapon or appeared to have a weapon
- Caused another person to fear for their safety
- They took the individual’s property against their will
If the state cannot establish each of these elements, they will be unlikely to secure a robbery conviction.
Possible Defense Strategies
Possible defense strategies in robbery cases include the following:
- Mistaken identity
- Lack of intent, meaning the individual did not intend to rob anyone
- The individual committed the offense while under duress because of threats to harm them or family members and had no way to get out of committing the crime
A lawyer in Goose Creek could help strategize a sound defense strategy for fighting robbery charges and help reach the best potential outcome in the case.
Schedule a Consultation With a Skilled Robbery Attorney in Goose Creek
You must take the case seriously when you are under investigation or face charges of robbery or attempted robbery. Even when your court date is months away, the longer you have to prepare, the better the chance of reaching a positive outcome in your case.
A seasoned Goose Creek robbery lawyer could fight for your freedom and advocate aggressively inside and outside the criminal courtroom. Call today to meet this week if you need help preparing a defense strategy for robbery-related crimes.