Robbery

Sacramento Robbery Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Robbery Charges in California

Robbery is considered a serious criminal charge that can lead to severe penalties if convicted. If you are facing robbery charges, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense team on your side. At Donato Legal Group, our Sacramento robbery attorney is dedicated to helping clients who are facing robbery charges. We will work with you to build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call Donato Legal Group today at (916) 318-5997 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our robbery attorney in Sacramento.

Our Experience Defending Robbery Charges in Sacramento

At Donato Legal Group, our robbery defense experience spans cases involving serious felony exposure, including charges that carry consequences under California's Three Strikes law. In one case, Attorney Alan Donato took a client to trial on charges of robbery and felony assault resulting in great bodily injury — offenses that carried the threat of multiple strikes and significant prison time — and secured not guilty verdicts on both counts.

In another matter, our team's thorough pre-trial investigation revealed critical weaknesses in the prosecution's case, ultimately resulting in a full dismissal when the People were unable to produce sufficient evidence at trial. Whether your case is best resolved through aggressive investigation or by taking the fight to a jury, Donato Legal Group has the experience to pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf.

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What is Robbery?

Robbery is a serious criminal offense in California, and it is essential to understand what it entails. Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else's personal property through the use of force or fear. In essence, it involves theft but with the added element of violence or intimidation. This distinguishes robbery from other theft-related crimes, such as burglary or larceny.

To be charged with robbery in California, the prosecution must establish the following key elements:

  • Taking of Property: The defendant must have taken someone else's property without their consent.
  • Personal Property: The property taken must be personal and owned by another individual.
  • Use of Force or Fear: The defendant must have used force or instilled fear in the victim to complete the theft.
  • Intent: The defendant must have had the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property.

Robbery can be classified into two main categories:

  • First-Degree Robbery: This involves robbery in an inhabited dwelling or during a carjacking, which carries more severe penalties.
  • Second-Degree Robbery: This includes all other types of robbery not covered by the first-degree category.

What are the Penalties for Robbery in California?

Robbery is a felony in California, and those convicted can face harsh penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The specific penalties for robbery can vary depending on several factors, such as the degree of robbery and any additional circumstances involved. The potential penalties include:

  • First-Degree Robbery: This is the more severe type of robbery, and those convicted can face up to nine years in state prison.
  • Second-Degree Robbery: Convictions for second-degree robbery can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.

How to Defend Against Robbery Charges

Some common defenses against robbery charges may include:

  • Lack of Intent: If it can be proven that the defendant did not have the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property, the robbery charge may be challenged.
  • Mistaken Identity: Sometimes, witnesses may misidentify the defendant as the perpetrator, and a solid alibi or evidence of mistaken identity can be a powerful defense.
  • False Accusations: Allegations of robbery may be based on false statements or malicious intent, and a thorough investigation can uncover the truth.
  • Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove all aspects of the robbery charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.
  • Duress or Necessity: In some cases, a defendant may have committed the robbery under duress or out of necessity, which can be a viable defense strategy.
  • Police Misconduct: If law enforcement violated the defendant's rights during the investigation or arrest, it may lead to the suppression of evidence or a dismissal of charges.

Your Local Sacramento Robbery Defense: Understanding Community Resources and Challenges

When facing robbery charges in Sacramento, it’s essential to understand the local landscape and the resources available to you. The City of Sacramento, along with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, provides various community programs aimed at crime prevention and support for those in legal trouble. These resources can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of your case and understanding the implications of robbery charges in our community.

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Recent Case Results

We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Marijuana for Sale

    Our client was facing felony charges of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.  After successfully having the case dismissed, Mr. Donato also negotiated with the District Attorney to return the $20,000 in cash that was seized from our client.

  • Case Dismissed Robbery

    Client was facing robbery charges and our investigation showed the witness was not likely to show up for trial. We pushed to get this case before a jury, and when the prosecution was unable to produce evidence against our client the case was dismissed.

  • Not Guilty Illegal Discharge of a Firearm

    Client was charged with multiple felony assaults and unlawful discharge of a firearm with gang enhancements and looking at life in prison. Mr. Donato was able to get a full acquittal.

  • Not Guilty Gang Enhancement

    Our office was proud to defeat the gang enhancement charge at trial for our client, who was charged with possessing a firearm for the benefit of a gang.  Defeating the gang enhancement was the sole reason for going to trial, and it saved our client from gaining a second strike conviction, not to mention significant prison time.

  • Full Acquittal DUI

    Mr. Donato won a full acquittal at trial by showing that the DA could not prove Mr. Brown was under the influence of alcohol at the time he was driving.  The jury concluded the case was too speculative, and Mr. Brown walked on all DUI charges against him.

  • Suspension Waived DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing

    At this DMV Administrative Per Se hearing, Mr. Donato argued that the Campus Police Officers did not have lawful authority to conduct a traffic stop away from campus. The Hearing Officer agreed and set aside our client's Campus license suspension.

  • Case Dismissed Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale

    Our client was one of several defendants charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale. The defendants were found at an alleged "crack-house" surrounded by various illegal narcotics, and even firearms. After threatening to go to trial, Mr. Donato had the entire case against our client dismissed by day two in court.

  • Case Dismissed Battery Charge

    With a client facing charges for spousal battery, a serious offense that would have cost him his job, Mr. Donato effectively negotiated with the DA, resulting in a full dismissal in return for 12 anger management classes.

  • Acquitted of ALL charges (Trial) Felony Sexual Assault of a Minor

    Client was a group home employee and was accused by one of the (minor) group home residents of sexual misconduct. Our office successfully showed the complaining witness was lying about the allegations, and the jury unanimously acquitted Ms. Roberts of all charges after deliberating for only a few hours.

  • Case Dismissed DUI

    Our cient's DUI was dismissed after we obtained the officer's in car camera video which revealed the officer had fabricated major portions of the report.  Thanks in part to Mr. Donato's discoveries, the officer in this case was arrested and eventually plead guilty to numerous counts of perjury and obstruction of justice.  The officer was ultimately sentenced to prison.

  • Not Guilty Felony Domestic Violence

    Our client faced charges for felony domestic violence and misdemeanor child abuse.  Mr. Donato showed the jury at trial that Mr. Hillman's spiteful ex-girlfriend had lied about the facts.  Mr. Hillman walked into trial facing 10 years in prison, but he walked out a free man.

  • Dismissed Embezzlement

    Client was a military veteran that was accused of embezzlement from his employer. Mr. Donato was able to get the employer and DA to drop all charges and dismissed the case.

  • Not Guilty Possession of a Concealed Firearm

    Charged with possession of a concealed firearm inside of a car, our client was facing special criminal enhancements. Not only did the gun have an illegal high-capacity magazine, our client allegedly possessed the gun in association with a gang.  Mr. Donato fought this case at trial and hung the jury 9-3 for not guilty. But the District Attorney elected to re-try the case. Mr. Donato responded by taking the case to trial again, this time returning with a full not guilty verdict.

  • Case Dismissed Battery Charge

    This battery case was ultimately dismissed after our office conducted investigation and found independent witnesses who stated that the victim lied to police and actually started the fight.  The DA agreed to dismiss the case and Ms. August was able to maintain her clean record.

  • Case Dismissed Drug Charge

    Our client's drug case was dismissed after Mr. Donato proved to a judge that the officer's only basis for conducting a probation search in this case was for harassment purposes in violation of his client's 4th Amendment Rights.

  • Dismissed Felony Child Abuse

    Private Retained Counsel in Sacramento County; client was charged with felony child abuse and the DA offered prison time for plea bargan, Mr. Donato obtained the opinion of a child abuse expert and was able to get the DA to dismiss the case in the interest of justice.

  • Penalty Reduced Domestic Violence with Great Bodily Injury

    People v. Carter Reduced (Probation) Client was a professional athlete and broke his girlfriend’s elbow during a domestic incident. Original offer was five years in prison. Our investigation showed the conflicts and changes in the victim’s story, and we effectively negotiated the case down to house arrest and probation.

  • Case Dismissed Possessing Marijuana for Sale

    Mr. Donato covinced the District Attorney that his client was protected under the Medical Marijuana Laws as a legal caregiver, and all felony charges regarding possessing marijuana for sale were dismissed.

  • Reduced to a misdemeanor Felony Sexual Battery

    Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; the client was charged with felony sexual battery and looking at his third strike and 25 years to Life in prison; upon body-worn camera review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and had the case reduced to a misdemeanor, and the client was released from jail custody that day.

  • Not Guilty Attempted Murder

    Client was charged with several felonies including attempted murder and was acquitted of this charge by means of self-defense.

Our FAQ

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 916-318-5997 today!

  • Why should I choose Donato Legal Group for my robbery defense?
    Choosing Donato Legal Group for your robbery defense means you are selecting a dedicated team that prioritizes your rights and future. Our Sacramento robbery attorney has extensive experience navigating the complexities of robbery charges in California. We understand the local legal landscape and are committed to providing personalized representation. With us, you will have a legal advocate who genuinely cares about your situation and is ready to fight for your freedom.
  • How can a robbery charge impact my future?

    A robbery charge can have significant long-term effects on your life. If convicted, you may face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, which can disrupt your personal and professional life. Additionally, a felony conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, making it challenging to secure employment, housing, or educational opportunities in the future.

  • What should I do if I am accused of robbery in Sacramento?

    If you find yourself accused of robbery in Sacramento, it is crucial to take immediate action. First, avoid discussing the case with anyone other than your legal representative, as anything you say could be used against you. Next, contact a knowledgeable robbery attorney who understands California's legal system and can provide you with tailored advice.