Defenses Against Robbery Charges In Texas

Law enforcement recently arrested a suspect in connection with a robbery at a Wells Fargo bank. The man was taken into custody in Lewisville and then booked into Denton County Jail. The man now faces robbery charges and his bail is set at $75,000. The robbery occurred when the suspect entered the bank and passed a note to a teller demanding money. The man also implied that he had a weapon, but never displayed a firearm. Corinth law enforcement has stated that the man is a suspect in at least two other bank robberies in the Dallas area.

Robbery encompasses using violence with the specific purpose to steal the property of another person. The state of Texas prosecutes robbery as a particularly serious offense. Texas classifies robbery as a second degree felony that can result in up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Aggravated robbery that includes serious bodily injury to the victim, using or even displaying a deadly weapon during the offense, or injuring or threatening an elderly or disabled person can result in even more serious fines. If you are charged with robbery, obtain the assistance of a seasoned criminal defense attorney who can review your case and discuss the various available options.

How to Respond to a Robbery Charge

The best thing for a person to do when facing a robbery charge is to remain silent. Law enforcement will often use any statements that the person provides as evidence that the person is guilty of committing the robbery. Instead, you should remain silent until you speak with your attorney, who can help determine your best options in responding to your case.

A person who faces a robbery charge also has the option to either convince a jury that the prosecution’s evidence is too weak to satisfy a conviction or to use an affirmative defense that removes the person’s liability for the crime. Some of the defenses that can be raised against these charges include the following:

• Duress: Often difficult to establish, a duress defense requires a person to show the court that the robbery was only committed because the person was under the threat of bodily harm or death.
• Intoxication: The person being charged might be able to use intoxication as a defense to a robbery charge. These defenses involve arguing that the defendant’s intoxication made it impossible for the individual to have the specific intent to commit a robbery.
• Lack of reasonable doubt: In a robbery case, the prosecution must establish that the person being charged committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Many people who are charged with robbery are able to create strong defenses by establishing that reasonable doubt does exist about the offense.

Talk to a Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Robbery is a very serious charge, which means that people who find themselves defending against these charges should not hesitate to obtain the assistance of a seasoned attorney at Wheeler Law Office today who can make sure that their case resolves in the best possible manner.

(image courtesy of Daniel von Appen)