Robbery charges carry severe penalties, including decades of imprisonment, thousands of fines, and more. However, you are innocent until proven guilty, even if it feels like the criminal justice system has it backward.
Hold your head high in court with the experienced Houston robbery defense attorneys on our legal team; we will be your legal champions throughout the process.
Put over five decades of defense experience and results with the award-winning Houston criminal defense lawyers at Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC. We will hold the legal system accountable for your rights while pointing out where they have not met their burden of proof.
Schedule your free consultation with our legal team to learn more about your options by calling (713) 664-6651 today.
Why Hire Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC?
Robbery charges are serious, and choosing the right legal team can make all the difference. Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC is dedicated to providing a strong defense for your case.
Our expert team of Houston robbery defense attorneys are recognized for:
- Experience—With over five decades of legal expertise spanning three generations, our firm has a long history of successfully defending clients against robbery charges.
- Reputation—We’ve earned a strong reputation for achieving positive results, reflected in numerous client testimonials and courtroom successes.
- Tenacity—Our legal team is unwavering in protecting your rights, both in and out of court, holding the criminal justice system accountable at every stage of your defense.
Defining Robbery in Houston, Texas
It is vital to understand how state statutes define the offense of robbery. This information is essential to your case since it is the standard against which judges and jurors will use to determine if prosecutors met their burden of proof. You should not face penalties for unfounded, unproven robbery charges if they have not.
When an individual takes something directly from another person, this is considered Robbery in Texas and can be found in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 29.02, which states, in part:
- A Person commits an offense if, while committing theft as defined in Chapter 31 and with intent to obtain or maintain control of the property, he:
- Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or
- Intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death.
A robbery does not have to be an excessive show of force or aggression. A simple shove right before, after, and during the taking of another’s possession can be considered a robbery. Furthermore, threats, words, or even simple gestures can meet the threshold to be charged with robbery. The use of force can be exhibited right before, during the commission of, or right after/in flight from the unlawful taking.
If you were wrongfully charged with burglary, contact our Houston burglary defense lawyer today.
Types of Robbery in Houston, Texas
Robbery encompasses a few different offenses, including basic and aggravated charges. The Houston robbery defense attorneys at Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC help clients build cases when facing:
Robbery Charges
A simple robbery is defined above and can be found in the TPC § 29.02. A robbery is generally classified as a felony of the second (2nd) degree. A 2nd-degree felony carries a punishment range of 2-20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and fines up to $10,000. Furthermore, restitution may be ordered for the items taken, which can add to the already exhaustive costs of being charged with robbery.
Aggravated Robbery Charges
A more severe form of robbery is called an Aggravated robbery and can be found in the Texas Penal Code (TPC) § 29.03, which states, in part:
- A person commits an offense if he commits a robbery as denied in Section 29.02, and he:
- Causes serious bodily injury to another:
- Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon
- Causes bodily injury to another person or threatens or places another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death if the other person is:
- 65 years of age or older; or
- A disabled person
For a robbery to be enhanced into an aggravated robbery, one of the following must happen: using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, causing severe bodily injury, and injuring or threatening a person who is over 65 years old or disabled. Aggravated robbery is considered a felony of the first (1st) degree.
A deadly weapon is anything that is designed, used, made, or adapted with the intent to use and can cause serious bodily injury or death. With this description, a pencil or pillow could be considered deadly depending on how the item was used and adapted.
Potential Consequences of a Robbery Conviction
Texas is a state that punishes crimes severely. This element is a crime deterrent, meaning that decades of imprisonment, thousands of fines, and more are on the line. Ensure you have the right Houston robbery defense attorney throughout the legal process.
The repercussions of a robbery conviction in Texas are severe:
- Robbery: Classified as a second-degree felony, it can result in a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Aggravated Robbery: Considered a first-degree felony, penalties can include a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment, along with a potential fine of up to $10,000.
Possible Defenses to Robbery Charges
The defense you assert and apply to your case strategy is critical. Our legal team will spend significant time discussing your case and providing relevant information and possible defensive strategies. Your chosen strategy may depend on several factors.
However, if Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, sees a viable strategy toward your legal objectives, we will share this information as soon as it is available and pursue the plan you decide on.
Possible defenses that we might recommend for your burglary charges include:
- Alibi defenses
- Civil rights violations
- Coercion
- Permitted to take property
- Insufficient evidence
- Mistaken identity
- There is no intent to deprive owners
- No probable cause to arrest
- Ownership defenses
- Other personalized defense strategies
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to robbery defense since every case is unique. However, our Houston robbery defense attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and experience your defense needs to help you determine a viable pathway to freedom, with lesser charges or more favorable sentences where available. Count on us to pursue your objectives while always seeking your most favorable outcome.
Speak with a Houston Robbery Defense Lawyer at No Cost
Robbery convictions are severe and carry heavy penalties. However, the Houston robbery defense attorneys at Walter J. Pink & Associates, PC, want to ensure you secure a fair outcome. Get more information about your legal options by calling us for your free consultation at (713) 664-6651 or online.