Robbery is a serious offense in Minnesota and is charged as a felony. Because robbery is considered a violent crime, the penalties can be more severe than those for non-violent felonies. An individual convicted of robbery could face several years in prison and lose their fundamental rights.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with robbery in Mankato, you should contact an experienced attorney right away. At Knutson + Casey, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with exceptional legal representation. Our dedicated attorneys will work with you to protect your rights and craft the best possible defense strategy for the charges against you.
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In Minnesota there are three different levels of robbery, based on the severity of the crime. Each level has different definitions and punishments. The three levels of robbery are:
Simple robbery is the act of taking something that belongs to someone else through force or the threat of force. Force in a simple robbery is unarmed, but rather includes punches, kicks, and shoves. Those convicted of simple robbery could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
If someone takes something that belongs to another with the implied threat of a dangerous weapon, the crime is considered aggravated robbery in the second degree. Even if nobody was harmed, the charge will advance from simple to second-degree aggravated robbery if you admit you had a weapon at the scene. Individuals convicted of aggravated robbery in the second degree could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison and fined up to $30,000.
Aggravated robbery in the first degree is the act of taking something from another person while you are armed with a dangerous weapon or any object that could cause bodily harm. Dangerous weapons include guns, knives, or sharp pieces of metal. Even cars can be considered dangerous weapons if they are used to harm another person.
Your charge may also be classified as first-degree aggravated robbery if the property owner is injured or harmed due to the crime. Those convicted of aggravated robbery in the first degree could face up to 20 years in prison and up to $35,000 in fines.
Having a solid alibi to show you were not at the scene of the crime is the best way to show innocence. Evidence such as receipts and eye-witness accounts that corroborate your alibi can be crucial proof of your innocence.
If you do not have a solid alibi, all hope is not lost. The following are some defense strategies that could apply to your case:
These are only a few possible defense strategies that could be applicable in a robbery case. Your attorney will work with you to determine the best strategy for your unique circumstances.
In addition to prison time and fines, those convicted of felonies in Minnesota also lose certain rights. Some long-term consequences of a felony conviction include:
If you have been charged with robbery or a felony-level offense in Minnesota, it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible to defend your rights and future.
The skilled attorneys at Knutson + Casey understand how high the stakes are for a robbery charge and are committed to working tirelessly on your defense. We have helped thousands of clients in southern Minnesota avoid imprisonment, fines, and the loss of their rights. Our trusted and experienced attorneys are dedicated to working with you to craft the best possible defense for your situation. Call us today at (507) 344-8888 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case.