Robbery is considered a violent crime because it involves physically taking property from another person’s immediate possession or control with the use of force or intimidation. Armed robbery is an even more serious offense because the perpetrator commits the act of robbery while yielding a dangerous weapon. In Louisiana, the sentence for an armed robbery conviction is severe – anywhere from 10 to 99 years in prison without the chance of probation or parole.
A person facing armed robbery charges needs a strong legal defense if they want to have the charges against them reduced or dropped. If you have been charged with armed robbery, you face serious consequences following a conviction. You need the help of a skilled attorney who can defend you well. The John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has a team of experienced criminal defense lawyers who are prepared to fight for you and defend your rights in court.
What Is the Sentence for an Armed Robbery Conviction?
Louisiana law states that individuals convicted of armed robbery should be imprisoned for anywhere from 10 to 99 years. It should be noted that five years will be added to a defendant’s sentence if the weapon they yielded during the robbery was a firearm. At the bare minimum, a defendant faces a decade of imprisonment following a conviction. It is of the utmost importance that you have excellent legal representation as you defend against armed robbery charges because your future is at stake.
The courts have established varying sentence lengths for the different types of robbery. If the victim mistakenly believed that you were armed with a weapon, you may be able to reduce your charges from armed robbery to first or second degree robbery. First degree robbery occurs when the perpetrator causes the victim to believe that the perpetrator is armed during a robbery. Second degree robbery occurs when the victim experiences serious bodily injury during the robbery, but the perpetrator has no weapon.
What Impacts the Severity of an Armed Robbery Charge?
Armed robbery is considered a violent crime in Louisiana, and the state gives harsher sentences for violent crimes compared to other non-violent crimes. When the prosecution is forming its case against you, they will often consider the following factors to determine the severity of your charges:
- What weapon are you accused of using?
- Is this your first time committing a crime?
- Have you committed violent crimes in the past?
- Was the victim injured during the alleged robbery?
- What is the value of the stolen property?
The above factors can have a major effect on the outcome of an armed robbery case. For example, the punishment for armed robbery is harsher when the defendant used a gun and severely injured the victim during the robbery. All armed robbery defendants need a criminal defense lawyer who will be able to investigate the facts of the case and identify any possible legal defenses to raise.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm Today
Armed robbery is a serious and violent criminal offense that can result in harsh prison sentences. A defendant convicted of armed robbery faces at least ten years in prison, but the sentence could last for the rest of the defendant’s life. With so much at stake, defendants charged with armed robbery should reach out to John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm for legal representation.
The skilled criminal defense lawyers with John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm are passionate about advocating on behalf of criminal defendants. Your future depends on the outcome of your case, and you need outstanding legal representation in order to protect your rights. To speak with someone on our legal team, you can call (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form today.