Tampa Armed Robbery Lawyers

Proven Defense Attorneys with Experience as Former Prosecutors

Florida law defines armed robbery as the criminal act of taking money or property from another person using force, violence, assault, intimidation, or instilling fear. 

Robbery is considered a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. As this is a serious felony, it must be defended aggressively by an experienced criminal lawyer. Anyone facing robbery charges faces several harsh penalties upon conviction, which is why it's crucial to involve a Tampa theft crime defense lawyer as quickly as possible. At Thomas & Paulk, we have the experience to help.

Types of Robbery Charges in Florida

Armed robbery is a serious crime. However, Florida classifies robbery offenses based on how they happened and what a person is accused of doing during one. Since not all robberies are labeled as "armed robbery," it can be helpful to understand the differences between each type of charge:

Robbery by snatching refers to unlawfully taking money or property from a person while they were wearing the item or had the item attached to their body. This might include stealing a handbag, wallet, or jewelry. If the defendant was armed, they would face second-degree felony charges. If unarmed, they would be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. 

Home invasion robbery refers to unlawfully entering a dwelling with the intent to steal money or property from inside the home. This is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

When a person commits robbery while armed with a firearm or weapon, they may be charged with armed robbery, a first-degree felony. It doesn't matter whether or not the defendant used the weapon. As long as the weapon was somewhere on their body or in their immediate possession, they may be charged with armed robbery. If convicted, you may face up to 30 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Your sentence might also include probation or parole, community service, and the loss of the right to own, possess, or carry a weapon.

Contact Thomas & Paulk, P.A. to speak with a Tampa armed robbery attorney today. We're standing by to help you decide what to do next: (813) 221-4200!