Robbery Charges in New York

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Robbery is a serious charge. It’s not something small. People who are found guilty of robbery can face many years in prison, especially if they have been in trouble before. But just because someone is accused of robbery doesn’t mean they are guilty. Sometimes, people are wrongfully accused. Sometimes, the charge is too harsh for what really happened. That’s where a diligent criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference.

If you or someone you love has been charged with robbery in New York, it can feel scary and confusing. You might be wondering what robbery really means, what can happen in court, and how a lawyer can help. 

Don’t wait to get the legal guidance that you need. Call right now to speak with New York criminal defense lawyer Michael J. McConnell for a free consultation. 

Robbery is when someone takes something from another person by using force, or the threat of force. That typically means the person is being accused of stealing while hurting someone, trying to hurt someone, or scaring someone.

It’s not the same as regular theft or shoplifting. Robbery always involves a person-to-person confrontation, and it’s treated more seriously by the police and courts.

But here’s the truth: not every fight, scuffle, or mix-up is a robbery. And just because someone says something was stolen doesn’t always make it true.

If someone is convicted of robbery, they could face years in prison. The punishment depends on a lot of things, like:

• Was someone hurt?
• Was there a weapon involved?
• Has the person been arrested before?
• How old is the person?
• What exactly happened?

The more serious the facts, the more serious the punishment can be. Even a first-time arrest can lead to incarceration. And if someone has a criminal record already, the prosecutor might try to push for an even tougher sentence.

That’s why having a skilled and aggressive criminal defense lawyer is so important.

Sometimes, people are charged with robbery when it wasn’t actually robbery. In fact, this happens a lot.

Here are a few common examples:

• It was just a fight. Maybe two people got into an argument, and one person got pushed or hit. If that person then says their phone or wallet was taken, police might call it robbery—even if the other person never meant to steal anything.
• The item was dropped or lost. Let’s say someone drops their phone during a      struggle and can’t find it later. That doesn’t mean the other person took it on purpose. But the person who lost it might tell the police they were robbed.
• The victim is not telling the full story. Sometimes people lie or stretch the truth. Maybe they were mad. Maybe they were embarrassed. Or maybe they were trying to cover up something they did. In any case, it’s not fair for someone to face robbery charges just because someone else said so.
• It might have been self-defense. What if someone was being attacked and fought back? That’s not robbery. That’s protecting yourself. But the other person might twist the story to get you in trouble.

Because robbery charges can be so serious, the police and prosecutor often act quickly. But in that rush, they might get it wrong. That’s why it’s so important to have a defense lawyer who knows how to fight back.

A strong criminal defense lawyer does a lot more than just show up in court. They look closely at every part of your case. They talk to witnesses. They go over the police reports. They look at videos, if there are any. And most importantly, they ask the right questions, like:

• Was this really a robbery?
• Is there proof that anything was stolen?
• Did the person who made the report tell the truth?
• Were you defending yourself?
• Are there other explanations?

If the lawyer finds weaknesses in the case, they can aggressively fight the charges. That might mean:

• Getting the charges dropped
• Getting the charges reduced to something much less serious
• Negotiating a fair plea deal—especially if there are mitigating factors, like no past      record, mental health issues, or a tough personal situation
• Taking the case to trial and fighting to prove your innocence

A skilled criminal defense lawyer will know how the District Attorney builds robbery cases—and how to take them apart. 

Not everyone who’s arrested is a career criminal. In fact, many people charged with robbery are young, struggling, or just made one bad mistake. A good lawyer will look for mitigating factors—reasons why the judge or prosecutor should show mercy or understanding.

Mitigating factors can include:

• First-time arrest
• Mental health issues
• Drug or alcohol problems
• Difficult home life
• Age (young age can be a mitigating factor)

A good defense attorney can use these factors to negotiate with the prosecutor. This could lead to a better deal—like probation instead of jail, or a lower-level charge that won’t follow you forever.

If you’ve been charged with robbery, you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight. Not every case should go to trial—but you want a lawyer who’s ready and willing to take it there if needed. You want someone who won’t just accept the first offer the prosecutor gives. You want someone who will dig deep, ask the tough questions, and stand up for you.

As a former prosecutor and now a dedicated criminal defense attorney, I know how these cases are built, how they are often overcharged, and the ways to expose weaknesses in the District Attorney’s case.

If you or a loved one is facing robbery charges, don’t wait. Contact my office today. Let’s talk about your case, your options, and how we can protect your future. You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here to help.