Arrested for robbery?
Robbery means taking property from a person, or from right in front of them, by force or fear. That last part is what separates robbery from theft. Taking a phone off a café table is theft. Shoving someone to take their phone, or threatening them so they hand it over, can be robbery.
A shoplifting case can also turn into a robbery case. If police say you pushed or threatened someone, like a store guard, while getting away with the items, prosecutors may charge robbery.
If you’ve been arrested, don’t talk to police about what happened. Politely say you want a lawyer and you won’t answer questions. Staying silent isn’t enough on its own; you have to say it.
Police want to talk, or released with no court date? Call me before you say anything. What to do before charges are filed
Why robbery cases are so serious
Robbery is always a felony. California law lists it as both a “serious” and a “violent” felony, so a conviction counts as a strike. If you’re later convicted of another felony, one strike can double the sentence.
Some robberies are first-degree, such as a robbery inside a home or at an ATM, and they carry more prison time. Others are second-degree. Prosecutors can also add enhancements, extra time for things like using a gun.
With stakes this high, the legal defense matters most. Your story still matters too, and I help you build it: who you are, why it happened, and what you’ve done since.
What I do on your case
- I get the police reports, video, 911 calls, and witness statements, and I review all of it myself.
- I look at whether there was really force or fear, or whether the facts point to a lesser charge like theft.
- I look for an illegal stop, search, or interrogation, and I file the motions your case needs.
- I talk to the prosecutor and push for the best result your case allows.
- I’m at every hearing. In a felony case, you’ll be there for the main ones, and I’ll tell you what to expect.
When you hire me, you get me. I don’t have associates or staff.
Was it really you?
Many robbery cases depend on someone picking out the person who did it. Robberies happen fast. People are scared, and they may remember a weapon better than a face. A witness can be honest and still be wrong.
I look at how police got the identification: whether they showed one photo or a fair lineup, what the witness said at first, and whether that first description matches you. I get every piece of video I can, from stores, doorbells, buses, and phones, and I watch all of it myself. Video can show who it was, or who it wasn’t, and whether there was force or fear at all. Some video gets erased after a short time, so the sooner I start, the better.
Carjacking
Carjacking means taking a car from the driver or a passenger, or from right near them, by force or fear. It’s a separate felony from robbery, it carries state prison time, and it also counts as a strike. The same questions come up: was there really force or fear, and is the right person charged?
How a robbery case can end
Every case is different, and I can’t promise a result. These are the outcomes I work toward:
- Charges dropped or dismissed.
- A robbery charge reduced to theft or another charge that isn’t a strike.
- No prison time, or the least time possible.
- A result that leaves you a record you can clear later.
Staying out of trouble while your case is open is the part you control most, and it matters.
I charge flat fees, so you know the cost before you hire me. Robbery and other strike cases are quoted at the consultation. See my fees.
Not a U.S. citizen? Tell me at the start. Some results that look good on paper can still cause immigration problems, and I plan around that.
Facing a different violent charge? How I handle violent crime cases.
Questions
What’s the difference between robbery and theft?
Force or fear. Theft is taking property without permission. Robbery is taking it from a person, or from right in front of them, by force or by making them afraid. That difference can turn a misdemeanor into a felony and a strike.
Is robbery a strike?
Yes. California law lists robbery as both a serious and a violent felony, so a conviction is a strike. That’s why avoiding a robbery conviction, or getting the charge reduced, is often the main goal.
Can a robbery charge be reduced?
Sometimes, for example when the evidence of force or fear is weak, or the identification is shaky. I’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic in your case.
Do I have to go to court?
Yes, for the main hearings. Robbery is a felony, and in felony cases you need to be there. I’m at every hearing with you.
Can a family member call for me?
Yes. Family members often make the first call, often while the person is still in jail. I’m glad to talk with them, but I represent the person charged, and what that person tells me stays between us. If a family member was arrested