If you have been charged with armed robbery in Louisiana, you may be confused about what comes next or confused at what has happened to you. Armed robbery is a serious criminal offense with severe consequences, and navigating the criminal justice system requires experienced criminal defense attorneys. You may also have a few questions regarding how to best defend yourself in the courtroom and reduce the penalties you might face. What are the best defenses for armed robbery? What steps should you take for the best possible results? Would a lawyer be able to help?
If you have any of these questions, our team at the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm may be able to offer some assistance. Our firm has experienced criminal defense attorneys who can provide legal help and develop a tailored defense strategy for clients facing armed robbery charges. We have extensive experience in criminal defense law, including handling cases involving armed robbery charges. Our team has a track record of successfully reducing or eliminating penalties for our clients, and we may be able to help you, too.
- What Are the Most Common Defenses for Armed Robbery?
- What Steps Should You Take After an Armed Robbery Charge in Louisiana?
- Avoid Discussing Your Case
- Contact a Lawyer
- Get Proper Defense With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm Armed Robbery Lawyers in Louisiana
What Are the Most Common Defenses for Armed Robbery?
There are a few common defenses that criminal defense lawyers will use to defend their clients who have been charged with armed robbery. While not all of these defenses are likely to completely eliminate consequences and potential criminal charges, many of them are helpful in significantly reducing these penalties. These defenses are most effective when used in supplement to a strong criminal defense lawyer leading your case. Some of the common defenses include the following:
- Innocent of the crime, the individual in question is not the one who committed the robbery
- False accusations against the charged individual
- Lack of intention to take the property in question
- No force or fear used when property was taken
- Claim or right to the property taken
An effective robbery defense involves developing a defense strategy tailored to the specifics of the robbery case and the criminal charges involved in your criminal case.
A lawyer is far more likely to understand how to use these or other defenses to your advantage, and they are also significantly more likely to effectively defend your side of the case. Your lawyer’s extensive knowledge and skills may be paired with these defenses to build a strong case in your favor. Experienced lawyers analyze the prosecution’s evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case, which can sometimes result in dismissed charges or a reduction in criminal conviction. If you would like to reduce your penalties, we strongly recommend hiring a criminal defense lawyer experienced in armed robbery cases, as the following defense strategies developed by an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of a criminal case.
Penalties for an Armed Robbery Conviction
Armed robbery is considered one of the most serious criminal offenses under Louisiana law, and the penalties reflect the gravity of this violent crime. If you are convicted of armed robbery in Louisiana, you face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, with the possibility of spending up to 99 years behind bars. Importantly, Louisiana law states that a person convicted of armed robbery is not eligible for probation, parole, or a suspension of sentence—meaning you must serve the full term imposed by the court.
The consequences become even more severe if a firearm or other dangerous weapon is used during the commission of the crime. In such cases, the law requires an additional 5 years of hard labor to be added to your sentence, and this time must be served consecutively, without the possibility of early release. This means that even a first-time offender could be facing decades in prison for an armed robbery conviction.
Beyond the lengthy prison sentence, an armed robbery conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This can have a lasting impact on your life, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, or obtain credit. A felony conviction for a violent crime like armed robbery can also lead to the loss of important civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms. The stigma of a robbery conviction can follow you for years, making it even more important to mount a strong defense from the very beginning.
Because the stakes are so high, it is crucial to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. A skilled defense lawyer can analyze the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses in the case, and develop effective defense strategies tailored to your situation. In some armed robbery cases, a criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea agreement, reducing the charges to a lesser offense such as simple robbery or second degree robbery, which carry less severe penalties.
Remember, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you took something of value from another person by force or intimidation while armed with a dangerous weapon. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the prosecution’s case, protect your legal rights, and fight for the best possible outcome. If you are facing robbery charges in Louisiana, don’t wait—contact a reputable law firm with a proven track record in handling robbery cases. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and start building a strong defense against these serious charges.
What Steps Should You Take After an Armed Robbery Charge in Louisiana?
If you’re in Louisiana and have been charged with an armed robbery, you may not know what the best plan of action for your case is if you would like to reduce your penalties. Seeking prompt legal help is crucial for navigating the criminal justice system and understanding the minimum sentence and sentence suspension options that may be available to you. We have a few suggestions you may find especially helpful in your case.
Avoid Discussing Your Case
After any criminal charge or potential infringement with the law, we strongly recommend you avoid discussing the incident with anyone. This includes not discussing your case with any close friends or family members, as anything you say may be used against you.
We also recommend staying off of social media or logging out of your accounts entirely. Any comments, photos, or text posts may also be used against you, even if they don’t appear connected to your case in any way. This may even be the case if you have privacy settings turned on, as you may be asked to show your social media posts in court.
Contact a Lawyer
We also strongly suggest that you hire a lawyer if you’ve been charged with armed robbery. Hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable in handling violent crimes and serious criminal offenses like armed robbery is crucial to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome.
Your lawyer may be able to assist you in several ways, including the following:
- Legal knowledge
- Negotiation
- Handle other legal representation
- Reduce or completely eliminate potential penalties
- Convince the court to drop certain charges
- Provide you with helpful resources or information
- Build a strong defense in your favor
- Strategize the next best steps, tailored to your circumstances
- Collect and analyze evidence
- Lead or join investigations
- Reduce stress
- Criminal defense attorneys can provide legal help specifically for robbery offenses and develop a strong robbery defense for your robbery case.
Please refrain from representing yourself during legal proceedings. Your lawyer is far more likely to have the skills and resources to effectively and favorably defend your case.
Get Proper Defense With John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm Armed Robbery Lawyers in Louisiana
If you have been charged with armed robbery in Louisiana, one of our experienced lawyers at the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm may be able to help. Our criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience handling robbery cases and a wide range of other criminal charges. Our team is dedicated to supporting clients through every step of the legal process, so partnering with us means you never need to feel alone.
If you think we would be a good fit for your legal representation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide legal help and develop a strong robbery defense for your criminal case. We know how to help clients reduce or completely eliminate their potential penalties, and we may be able to help you, too. To get in touch, please complete our contact form at your earliest convenience. We are patiently waiting to hear from you.