Colorado Springs Robbery Charges Demand a Strong Defense

In the state of Colorado, those who are charged with robbery face a potential felony. Why does this matter?

Because a felony conviction can result in significant consequences to your life both legally and personally. Consequences that include time in prison and exorbitant fines – not to mention a criminal record – can make it challenging to get your life back on track.

Thankfully,  The Law Office of Andrew Bryant is here to help. We have years of experience handling criminal cases involving robbery and want to put that to work for you. If you want to ensure your rights are upheld and give yourself the best chance at a positive outcome, you need a knowledgeable  Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney.

 

What Exactly Is Robbery under Colorado Law?

When you knowingly take something of value directly from someone else or in the presence of another through the use of intimidation, force, or threats, then you have committed a robbery in our state.

People often get confused about the difference between robbery and theft, but the legal difference is that robbery is a crime that takes place in front of someone else. Burglary is also different from theft in that it involves illegally entering a place with the intent to commit a crime or steal something.

There are three distinct ways under Colorado law that a person can commit robbery. They are:

Simple Robbery

Simple robbery is considered the least severe of the robbery charges that a person can face, but it is still quite serious.

This type of robbery occurs when someone knowingly takes anything of value through the use of force or fear. In order to be convicted of this crime, it must be shown that you used fear of force or actual force.

Aggravated Robbery

Simple robbery can be elevated to the charge of aggravated robbery in cases where any of the following were a part of the crime:

  • The perpetrator was armed with a deadly weapon that was intended for use to wound, maim, or kill the victim if they did not comply
  • The perpetrator struck or wounded the victim with the deadly weapon or caused the victim to believe that they were under threat of bodily injury or death
  • The perpetrator indicated to the victim that they had a deadly weapon, or they used an item that had been somehow altered to look like a weapon

Aggravated Robbery of a Controlled Substance

Aggravated robbery of a controlled substance is a very specific robbery crime that can be elevated from aggravated robbery. This occurs when the robbery in question meets the criteria for the perpetrator to be charged with aggravated robbery and also involves a controlled substance from a person that acquired the drugs legally or a pharmacy or pharmacist.

Different Kinds of Robbery Crimes in Colorado Springs

There is a wide range of criminal activity and behaviors that are covered by robbery laws in our state. The most common include:

Mugging

Mugging is a crime that typically takes place in public, where someone is robbed.

Robberies of Commercial Businesses

When intimidation or violence are used to get goods, money, or other property from a business such as a gas station, supermarket, or convenience store, it is considered robbery.

Purse Snatching

Transforming a theft charge into a robbery charge does not take a lot of force. If a person manages to take the handbag of another person without force, it could be seen as theft – but if there is any resistance given by the victim, then it can easily be elevated to robbery.

Regardless of what type of robbery a person is charged with, the consequences can go way beyond time behind bars or fines. Those convicted of felonies face a lifetime of hardship, which is why you must do what you can to ensure this does not happen to you.

Penalties for Robbery Convictions in Colorado

When facing robbery charges in Colorado, it is vital you have an experienced Colorado Springs criminal attorney to help you navigate the court system and hopefully avoid conviction. The penalties you may face if you are convicted of robbery include:

Simple Robbery

Simple robbery is a Class 4 felony in Colorado. That translates to a prison sentence of up to six years and a three-year period of mandatory parole. Anyone convicted may also be asked to pay fines of up to $500,000. Additionally, it should be noted that the penalties can be increased if the victim of the robbery was disabled or over the age of 70.

Aggravated Robbery

Aggravated robbery is a Class 3 felony. The state also considers it to be a crime of extraordinary risk, which basically means that Colorado considers this to be a crime that poses a great risk of harm to society as a whole. The result is more severe sentencing.

A person convicted of aggravated robbery in Colorado may receive up to 16 years in prison, five years of mandatory parole after their release, and fines of as much as $750,000. If a deadly weapon was used in the commission of the crime or if anyone was seriously injured, the maximum prison sentence can be raised to 32 years.

Aggravated Robbery of a Controlled Substance

A Class 2 felony, aggravated robbery of a controlled substance can result in  up to 48 years in prison  in the most extreme cases, five years of mandatory parole, and up to $1 million in fines.

These potential penalties are the reason it is important to take any charges of robbery against you seriously and to hire a skilled lawyer to represent you and fight for your rights.