Silver Spring Robbery Lawyer
According to the Maryland State Police Uniform Crime Report, robberies increased by 4.4% between 2016 and 2017 and has slowly been rising since 2014. There were 11,295 reported robberies, which accounted for 37% of the violent crimes in Maryland. In Montgomery County, where Silver Spring is located, the number of robberies has been steadily increasing since 2014.
If you are facing charges for robbery, you could consult with a Silver Spring robbery lawyer. Failing to consult with an experienced criminal attorney may mean years of prison time, possible fines, and a mark on your criminal record that could limit potential future opportunities. With committed legal help at your side, you could stand up for your rights in a more effective manner and pursue a better resolution for your case.
Legal Definition of Robbery
What is the difference between theft and robbery? While theft doesn’t include assault, robbery is a combination of theft and assault. Robbery is “the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.” (2017 Maryland State Police Uniform Crime Report).
Definition of Service in Robbery Statute
Robbery includes the taking of property, also consists of the forceful taking or attempt to take services, and not just products. Services, under § 3-401 of the Maryland Criminal Code, include:
- Labor and professional services
- Telecommunication, public utility, toll facility, or transportation service
- Lodging, entertainment, or restaurant service
- Use of computers, data processing, or other equipment
Intent Element of Robbery Statute
Note that robbery requires intentionally withholding the property of another (1) permanently, (2) for a long enough period of time that it’s considered appropriation, (3) with the purpose to only return the property only with payment of reward or other compensation, or (4) disposing of the property in a way that the owner will more than likely never recover it.
An attorney with experience in robbery law could clarify what an individual’s rights and find a possible resolution to your circumstances.
Criminal Robbery Penalties
The penalty for robbery turns on one crucial aspect, which is whether someone is armed when the robbery is committed. An attorney in Silver Spring could review your case and determine if it falls under one of these categories.
If someone commits robbery without a dangerous weapon or threat of a dangerous weapon, they would be guilty of a felony and could serve jail time for up to 15 years (§3-403).
However, if a person commits or attempts to commit a robbery with a dangerous weapon or by a written claim that someone possesses a dangerous weapon, they would be guilty of a felony and could be imprisoned for up to 20 years (§3-402).
Let a Silver Spring Robbery Attorney Assist You
If you were charged with the crime of robbery, you might want to pursue professional legal assistance. A Silver Spring robbery lawyer who is knowledgeable in all aspects of robbery law could look at your case and give you options for proceeding with your case.
Depending on the circumstances, a local attorney could lessen the seriousness of your situation, so call today for a consultation to see what options you have in your case.