Phoenix Robbery Lawyer

Q: What is Aggravated Robbery?

Aggravated robbery in Arizona, as found in A.R.S. § 13-1903, occurs when a person commits the act of robbery but is aided by at least one accomplice.

We Defend Those Accused of Every Type of Crime

Home » Robbery

Criminal Defense Lawyer for Arizona Robbery Charges

Professional & Experienced Lawyer – Available 24/7

A robbery charge in Arizona can come with serious consequences. In addition to criminal charges, you may also face professional and financial repercussions; not to mention the social implications that come with convictions for theft crimes. That’s why, if you’ve been charged with robbery or any other type of theft crime in Arizona, it is important that you equip the help of qualified Arizona attorneys who have plenty of experience defending those accused or charged with robbery.

As a top Phoenix criminal defense attorney, Belén Olmedo Guerra understands the unique circumstances surrounding the preparation and defense of a robbery charge and has the skill and courtroom experience and it takes to fight aggressively on your behalf. If you or a loved one face Phoenix robbery charges, call the Arizona criminal defense lawyers at Belén Law Firm today to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.

Robbery Charges in Arizona

ARS § 13-1902

The classification for the crime of robbery can be found in Arizona’s Revised Statutes § 13-1902. According to Arizona law, “a person commits robbery if in the course of taking any property of another from his [or her] person or immediate presence and against his [or her] will, such person threatens or uses force against any person with intent either to coerce surrender of property or to prevent resistance to such person taking or retaining property.”

In other words, a person commits a robbery offense if they threaten or forcefully take another person’s property. This property robbery can be either directly off their body, from their hands, or in their immediate vicinity. Robbery offenses can also increase in severity. Depending on the circumstances, a person may face an armed robbery or aggravated robbery charge.

Robbery vs. Armed Robbery

A simple robbery charge becomes one of armed robbery when the defendant uses a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument to commit the offense. This includes a simulated deadly weapon. A simulated weapon may be something like a toy water gun or when the perpetrator holds his hands in his pockets to make it appear as if he had a gun or other dangerous weapon. As long as the alleged victim reasonably believes they are being threatened with a deadly weapon, an armed robbery charge may result.

The classification for armed robbery charges can be found under A.R.S. § 13-1904.

What is Aggravated Robbery?

Aggravated robbery in Arizona, as found in A.R.S. § 13-1903, occurs when a person commits the act of robbery but is aided by at least one accomplice.

Is Robbery a Misdemeanor?

Theft crimes are serious charges in Arizona, especially crimes of robbery. Under Arizona law, robbery of any degree is a felony. This means that the penalties are much harsher than they would be for misdemeanor crimes. If a person is charged with robbery, they face extensive jail time and hefty fines. Depending on whether the offender has a previous conviction for robbery, probation may or may not be an option.

Below, the Phoenix criminal defense attorneys from Belén Law Firm will outline the penalties for robbery, aggravated robbery, and armed robbery in the state of Arizona.

How Long Can You Go To Jail for Robbery?

If you are charged with robbery and proven guilty, you may face anywhere between one year and potentially up to 35 years in prison. Of course, this all depends on the type of charge you face, whether the offense is classified as a “dangerous offense,” and if you have any historical priors. The facts of your case will determine whether you receive a Class 2 felony, Class 3 felony, or Class 4 felony charge. Our Arizona felony sentencing charts can help those charged with felony robbery anticipate what punishments they may be up against.

Penalties for Robbery in AZ

In Arizona, robbery is a Class Four felony. As previously mentioned, the sentencing for felony theft charges in Arizona depends on whether or not the defendant is a first-time or repeat offender. The following penalties are for first, second, and third offenses of robbery:

First Offense Robbery Conviction – Anywhere between 1 year to 3.75 years in prison; a fine between $750 to $150,000; or both. Offenders may be eligible for probation for a first offense.

Second Offense Robbery Conviction – Anywhere between 2.25 years to 7.5 years in prison; a fine between $750 to $150,000; or both. Second-time offenders are NOT eligible for probation.

Third Offense Robbery Conviction – Anywhere between 6 to 15 years in prison; between $750 to $150,000 in fines; or both. Third-time offenders are NOT eligible for probation.

Sentence for Aggravated Robbery in AZ

The crime of aggravated robbery is considered a Class 3 felony in Arizona. Here are the associated penalties for first and subsequent offenses:

First Offense Aggravated Robbery Conviction – Anywhere between 2 years to 8.75 years in prison; between $750 to $150,000 in fines; or both. Offenders may be eligible for probation for a first offense.
Second Offense Aggravated Robbery Conviction – Anywhere between 3.25 years to 16.25 years in prison; fines ranging between $750 to $150,000; or both. Second-time offenders are NOT eligible for probation.
Third Offense Aggravated Robbery Conviction – Anywhere between 7.5 years to 25 years in prison; between $750 to $150,000 in fines; or both. Third-time offenders are also NOT eligible for probation.

Armed Robbery Sentence in AZ

An armed robbery charge in Arizona is the most severe of the robbery charges. This offense is a Class 2 felony, and the penalties vary depending on the existence of historical priors and whether the state classifies the offense as a dangerous felony. We’ll include the potential sentences for first, second, and third offenses for both non-dangerous and dangerous Class 2 felonies:

First Offense Armed Robbery Conviction (Non-Dangerous) – Anywhere between 3 years to 12.5 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines. Class 2 felony offenders are generally not eligible for probation, parole, or suspended sentences.
Second Offense Armed Robbery Conviction (Non-Dangerous) – Anywhere between 4.5 years to 23 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Not eligible for probation, parole, or suspended sentences.
Third Offense Armed Robbery Conviction (Non-Dangerous) – Anywhere between 10.5 years to 35 years in prison and up to $150,000 in fines. Not eligible for probation, parole, or suspended sentences.

Below are the prison terms for a dangerous armed robbery offense, including first offenses and offenses with historical priors:

First Offense Armed Robbery Conviction (Dangerous) – Between 7 years to 21 years in prison.
Second Offense Armed Robbery Conviction (Dangerous) – Between 14 years to 28 years in prison.
Third Offense Armed Robbery Conviction (Dangerous) – Between 21 years to 35 years in prison.

Penalties increase further if the armed robbery charge is a dangerous offense and is the second, third, or subsequent dangerous offense on the defendant’s criminal record. This means the defendant had a prior conviction (or convictions) for other dangerous offenses. In this case, the offender faces a mandatory prison sentence between 10.5 and 26.25 years for a second dangerous offense and between 15.75 and 35 years for third or subsequent offenses.

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

As you can see, Arizona felonies and their penalties are severe and can result in decades behind bars and potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Those accused or charged with these theft crimes often feel hopeless, but they don’t always have to. When you obtain the help of an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer, you ensure your constitutional rights remain protected and set yourself up for the best possible chance at having your case dismissed, criminal charges reduced, or even an acquittal at trial. This is especially true when you hire Phoenix robbery lawyer Belén Olmedo Guerra. At Belén Law Firm, our legal team has the experience and skill it takes to guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system and achieve the best possible solution to your case.

The sooner you reach out to Belén, the better. Once a formal attorney-client relationship is established, she will get straight to work building and strengthening your defense, such as obtaining police reports, witness statements, and evidence surrounding your case. This allows her to explore and pursue potential defenses. In addition, she will also explore other legal avenues, including the possibility of constitutional violations that may result in your case being thrown out.

It is invaluable to you and your case that you have the comfort and security of knowing someone is doing everything they can to fight for your legal rights and ultimately, your freedom. For a free case evaluation and to learn more about how the AZ criminal defense attorneys at Belén Law Firm can help you, call (602) 715-0908 today.

Phoenix, Arizona Robbery Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing a conviction for a theft crime such as robbery in Arizona, you’re up against some serious penalties and a permanent criminal record, not to mention the professional and personal ramifications that come with such a charge. That’s why it is imperative that you obtain the help of an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your arrest.

At the Belén Law Firm, we provide aggressive, staunch defense for all of our clients facing accusations and charges of theft crimes. If you are looking for a top criminal defense firm in Phoenix, contact us today and request your free initial consultation. You may do so by calling our law offices at 602-715-0908 or by sending us a message through our online intake form. We offer 24/7 legal advice and are ready to help provide the best defense possible for your case.

Set Up Your Free Consultation

What Our Clients Say

"We first hired Belen and her highly esteemed team of expert litigators. For her integrity and professionalism, but during the course of our representation, we gained a degree of personal trust and reliance far exceeding our expectations. Belen demonstrated an amazing level of genuine care and compassion and an implicit desire to keep us informed and knowledgeable of each step in the process. She is a diligent and hard worker and leaves no stone unturned. Our representation was nothing short of brilliant, creative and successful! She is without a doubt the Lady I want in my corner. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone interested in winning their case with the least amount of headaches throughout the process."

"Belén is hands down the BEST defense attorney out there. She has the heart, compassion, determination, backbone and most of all, the desire to help her clients. Belén’s expertise and experience helped mitigate our case to receive a reduced sentence. She spent thousands of hours over the year and a half she represented our family to challenge the prosecution at every corner and on every angle. She went above what most attorneys do by hiring her own experts and investigators to ensure she went to battle fully loaded. Due to her dedication, determination and commitment, my family felt extremely satisfied and confident that she obtained the best outcome with a reduced sentence. Belén is a stand up human being who, not only represented our family, but became family. If you want the best defense attorney, Belen is your choice!"

"At a time where we felt helpless and, quite frankly traumatized, Belen stepped in and reassured us that we had options and assured us she would work her hardest for a satisfactory resolution. My teenage son needed defense against law enforcement and my family needed legal advice and support in the worst way. Despite being beaten black and blue by police officers that said he was resisting arrest, they also charged him with two felonies. We were all at a loss and Belen was able to keep us grounded as we went through the process explaining every step along the way. She worked extremely hard to expose the truth about the officer involved, and because of her hard work, the felonies were dropped. My son can go on with his life without having his record and character tarnished by these unjust accusations."

"Hire this one! I spoke to several firms before using Belen. Every other firm connected me to a sales person who refused to allow me to speak with an attorney. Belen was put on the phone when I called at 7pm on a Saturday. Belen cared about my son. He had a warrant for his arrest and did not know until he was pulled over and hauled off to jail. Belen went to the jail on Saturday, stood with my son in jail in front of the jailhouse court judge and told that judge how it was. My son walked out 2 hours later without paying for bail. The following week, she called the prosecutor and was able to get the plea reinstated from years prior that resulted in the case being fully dismissed. Also, her fees for everything were lower than the other attorneys who were trying to get me to pay over the phone. I highly recommend Belen!"