Columbia Robbery Lawyer

Columbia Robbery Attorney

Robbery is a serious criminal offense that can lead to many years of imprisonment if you are convicted. Although it involves theft, robbery is a violent crime and is, therefore, prosecuted much more harshly. If you have been arrested or charged with robbery, it is crucial that you find an experienced Columbia robbery lawyer. Your defense attorney can advocate for your rights and interests, potentially mitigating or eliminating the charges you face.

Defend Your Future With the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we have spent nearly 30 years fighting for the interests of our clients in many areas of law. Our team understands the significance of these violent charges and fights for your rights and your future diligently.

Some criminal cases may be handled by the Richland County Courthouse, in the 5th Judicial Circuit, which serves Columbia. Our firm has professional experience in local courts. We work to challenge the prosecution’s case, determine if your rights were violated, and work to secure the ideal outcome to your case. Each case is unique, and we listen to your situation and provide compassionate support and strategic criminal defense.

What Is a Robbery Offense?

In 2023, Richland County reported 359 robbery cases, with a clearance rate of 20%, according to the State Law Enforcement Division. The county had a rate of 8.44 robberies per 10,000 people. In 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported 263 robbery cases, and 220 of those robberies occurred in Columbia.

There are two primary robbery charges: common law robbery and armed robbery.

1. Common law robbery is the offense of unlawfully seizing someone else’s property through violence, force, or the threat of violence or force, intending to take the property permanently.
2. Armed robbery is the offense of committing robbery while being armed with a deadly weapon or while acting, through words or actions, that the person was armed with a deadly weapon by using a representation of the deadly weapon or object that was reasonably believed to be a deadly weapon. A deadly weapon includes a pistol, slingshot, metal knuckles, dirk, or razor.
3. Attempted armed robbery occurs when someone tries to commit the offense of armed robbery, even if they are not successful.

In order for a theft offense to be robbery, there must be intimidation or violence involved, so the victim must be present and aware of the taking. These offenses are very serious, and it is crucial that you hire a robbery lawyer to protect yourself against these charges.

Penalties for Robbery Conviction in Columbia

All types of robbery offenses are felonies. Armed robbery and attempted armed robbery are considered violent crimes.

1. Common law robbery is a Class D felony and can result in imprisonment for up to 15 years.
2. Attempted armed robbery is a Class C felony and can result in up to 30 years of imprisonment.
3. Armed robbery with a deadly weapon is a Class A felony. It results in up to 30 years of imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. After a conviction of armed robbery, you are only eligible for parole after serving seven years.

Conviction for robbery not only results in years in prison, but it also gives you a criminal record. Even once you have served your sentence, a criminal record can affect several aspects of your life. It can limit your opportunities for education, employment, school, and certain types of housing. These consequences can affect the rest of your life. The most effective way to avoid this is to avoid conviction. An attorney may help mitigate or avoid the most serious charges you face.

Why Do I Need to Work With a Robbery Defense Lawyer in Columbia?

An experienced robbery defense lawyer understands the state’s robbery laws and how they apply to your situation, and knows what defenses are ideal for your unique case. Whether or not you committed the offense, the support of an attorney is vital to prevent harsh penalties.

Your attorney considers the evidence the prosecution has against you, conducts an investigation of your charges with their resources, and considers defenses like your alibi, mistaken identity, coercion, or lack of intent. They advocate for you prior to trial, challenge evidence, negotiate plea deals, and represent you in trial.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Robbery Laws

What Is the Law for Robbery in South Carolina?

The law for robbery in South Carolina lists robbery and armed robbery as felonies, punishable by up to 15 to 20 years of imprisonment. These offenses are located in Section 16-11-325 and 16-11-330 of the state’s code of laws. Common law robbery is a Class D felony, and armed robbery with a deadly weapon is a Class A felony. Attempted armed robbery is a Class C felony.

What Are the Three Elements of Robbery?

The three elements of robbery generally include:

1. The unlawful taking of someone else’s property, with the intent of the taking being permanent
2. The theft is committed from the individual’s person or in their presence.
3. The offender used force and violence or the threat of force and violence.

Robbery is a violent crime and is, therefore, charged more harshly than other types of theft that do not involve the victim of the crime.

What Kind of Lawyer Defends Criminals?

A criminal defense lawyer defends those accused of crimes, while an appellate attorney may represent those appealing a criminal conviction or sentence. If you have been accused of robbery or another criminal offense, it is essential that you secure effective legal representation as soon as possible. You have the right to legal defense. Facing your charges alone makes you more likely to face conviction and overly harsh sentencing.

What Is Common Law Robbery in South Carolina?

Common law robbery in South Carolina is the basic form of a robbery offense, which is the illegal seizure of another person’s property through violence or the threat of force. The offense also requires the intent to deprive the victim of their property permanently. It is a Class D felony in South Carolina. It is important not to take this charge lightly, as it can result in years of imprisonment and collateral consequences.

Reach Out to the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III Today

You have the right to legal defense, and you need to take advantage of that if you are facing robbery charges in Columbia. At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we can fight for you. Contact our firm today and learn how we can support you in the criminal justice system.