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Louisiana Robbery Defense Attorney

Robbery Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

Armed Robbery Representation

There are many possible robbery offenses a person can commit in Louisiana, but regardless of the specific type of robbery, they are all considered are violent felony offenses for which a person can face a lengthy stay in prison. Anyone accused of robbery is encouraged to seek professional criminal defense. Attorney Eric G. Johnson of The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has defended the people of Louisiana since 1993 and has the experience and determination you need to fight the charges against you.

Robbery or Theft?

Robbery and theft are two terms that are commonly interchanged; however, robbery is often a much more serious crime than theft. During a robbery, a person physically takes something away from an individual that is in the person’s immediate possession; whereas in theft, the object stolen is unattended. The use of force or the threat of violence that typically accompany robbery crimes set it apart from standard theft crimes, which are often non-violent.

Prosecutors are much more inclined to aggressively prosecute violent crimes like robbery, which almost always carry a prison term. Contact Eric Johnson to discuss the charges you face.

Simple Robbery

The most basic robbery charge is simple robbery. This is when one person takes money or other valuable from another person using force or intimidation while that person is physically in control of the item. The offender in this situation can face a steep fine or a sentence of up to 7 years in prison, or both if convicted.

Purse Snatching

This is a type of basic robbery in which a person takes or “snatches” a handbag or wallet or a possession stored inside a wallet or handbag, directly from the person holding the handbag or wallet. The owner of the handbag or wallet must have the item on his or her person while the robbery is taking place. An offender can face a prison sentence of up to 20 years for this offense.

First Degree Robbery

Making the target of a robbery believe that you have a weapon on you while you are pursuing a robbery can lead to first degree robbery charges. Pressing into a part of the victim’s body and pretending to be holding a gun or a knife, demanding the victim surrender the object of desire, and threatening to use the weapon if the victim does not comply, can lead to first degree robbery charges. One can face up to 40 years in prison for this offense.

Second Degree Robbery

If a robbery victim is hurt, the defendant may face second degree robbery charges. These are reserved for robberies in which a person is seriously injured, but no weapon was used. Like first degree robbery, this can lead to a maximum of 40 years in prison.

Armed Robbery

A person who uses a weapon to commit robbery faces armed robbery charges, and can expect extended prison terms if convicted. A sentence of 10 to 99 years in prison is possible. During this time the offender will not have the benefit of parole or sentence suspension. Anything that can be considered “dangerous” and carries the potential to execute serious bodily harm or death counts as a weapon; thus, weapons are not limited to firearms and knives. If the weapon of choice was a firearm, the prison term can be extended another five years.

Failed armed robberies can lead to attempted armed robbery charges. If convicted, offenders can also expect lengthy prison terms.

Contact The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm by calling 318-377-1555 or schedule a free consultation online. The journey to a strong criminal defense starts here.