Chicago Robbery Defense Attorney

Robbery Lawyer in Chicago

Have you been arrested for robbery in Cook County? It is important to contact an experienced attorney to help you address this legal matter immediately. You may be at risk of facing felony charges and may face extremely severe penalties if you are convicted. Your lawyer will be your first and only line of defense against imprisonment and other harsh consequences.

Law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney will use their seemingly limitless resources to investigate your case, gather evidence, and put you behind bars. Make sure you have a competent trial attorney who can counter these efforts to the fullest extent of the law while protecting your Constitutional rights and keeping you informed every step of the way.

As a Chicago criminal lawyer with more than two decades of experience, I can offer you the level of legal counsel you need in the face of your robbery charges, arrest, or investigation. I welcome you to contact my offices at your earliest convenience to discuss how I can help you.

Different Types of Robbery Crimes

In Illinois, robbery offenses are codified under the Illinois Criminal Code, Article 18. The main element that the prosecution must prove is that the defendant used force or threatened to use force while taking something from another person. Robbery is classified as a forcible felony and is considered a violent crime.

There are three primary classifications of robbery cases in Illinois: 

Robbery and Aggravated Robbery are both enumerated under 720 ILCS 5/18-1. Robbery occurs when a person takes something from another by the use of force or threat of force. Generally, robbery is a Class 2 Felony unless the victim is 60 years or older, has a disability, or is committed in a school, daycare center, or place of worship, in which case robbery is a Class 1 Felony.

Simple robbery can occur if a person runs into another while snatching a purse, causing them to fall. The actual force can be consequential and not intended. If you are charged with robbery, you must immediately talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney and learn your options.

Aggravated Robbery occurs when, while committing robbery, the person indicates verbally or by his or her actions that he or she is armed with a firearm or other dangerous weapon. It should be noted that a person violates the aggravated robbery statute, even if it's later determined that they did not have a gun. Aggravated robbery is a Class 1 Felony.

Armed Robbery is codified under 720 ILCS 5/18-2 and occurs when, while committing a robbery, the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon. Armed Robbery is a Class X Felony and, if convicted, calls for a lengthy prison sentence. Armed robbery involving a gun can enhance sentencing by 15 to 25 years, especially if another person is injured.

Vehicular Crimes Involving Force or Threat of Imminent Force

Additionally, under the Illinois Criminal Code, Article 18, crimes involving motor vehicles include:

Vehicular Hijacking 720 ILCS 5/18-3 occurs when a person takes a motor vehicle from another by the use or threat of force. Vehicular hijacking is a Class 1 Felony.

Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking 725 ILCS 5/18-4 occurs when the offender is armed with a dangerous weapon while committing the offense of vehicular hijacking. Aggravated vehicular hijacking is a Class X Felony. Aggravated vehicular hijacking carries a minimum sentence of 7 years. In cases where a gun is present, enhanced sentencing may be increased by 15 to 25 years.

Vehicular Invasion 720 ILCS 5/18-6 occurs when a person, by force and without lawful justification, enters or reaches into the interior of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is occupied by another person, intending to commit theft or felony. Vehicular invasion is a Class 1 felony.

Challenging Robbery Charges

Depending on your robbery charges, you may be at risk of facing up to 7 to 60 years in prison. Ensure your rights and interests are fully protected by involving an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Even in the investigatory phase of a case, having legal counsel can help you formulate a defense strategy, limit the evidence gathered against you, and help you avoid formal robbery charges.

Contact My Firm Chicago Premier Criminal Defense Lawyer today if you have been charged with a theft crime.