When you are faced with potential prison time and a violent felony conviction on your record, it’s time to get serious. And if you are charged with a robbery offense, these consequences are just a few of the things that you could be forced to deal with if convicted. Fortunately, you still have options. We can help you explore those options and determine the best course of action on your case.
A robbery charge is a very serious charge. It’s more than a theft, because it includes a violent component. Law enforcement and prosecutors alike treat offenses like this very severely, as they consider people who have allegedly committed acts like this to be dangers to society.
It’s easy to feel like no one is on your side and no one has your best interests in mind when faced with charges like these. But, your attorney can be there to represent your best interests and to ensure your rights are protected. They can be your advocate when it feels like your back is against the wall.
Michigan Robbery Laws and Penalties
There are several statutes that cover robbery offenses in the state of Michigan. While this page is designed to provide an overview of those laws, discussing your case with a local attorney will provide you with the best information on your charges and the potential penalties you face.
Robbery
In general, robbery is defined as the use of force or violence, or the threat of force or violence, in the commission of a larceny. Threatening someone with violence if they don’t hand over their money would be an example. The threat must be convincing, however, as the law requires that the alleged victim must be “put in fear”.
If you are charged with this, you will face a felony with a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Armed Robbery
If you are armed when you commit the robbery, as defined above, or even if you lead the alleged victim to believe you are armed, whether or not you actually are, you could face charges of armed robbery. This offense is extremely serious and carries a potentially life changing sentence.
If you are found guilty of armed robbery, you will face a potential life sentence. If serious injury occurs in the commission of the offense or if an aggravated assault is committed in the commission, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 2 years.
Carjacking
Carjacking is essentially the robbery of a vehicle. If you are convicted of this offense, you will face up to life in prison.
Judges have a lot of leeway in sentencing offenders. But the maximum allowable sentences are extreme in robbery cases. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and how we might be able to help.