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.
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.
Contact Our Robbery Attorney in Sacramento Today
The consequences of a robbery conviction can be life-altering, and you need a legal advocate who will fight vigorously to protect your rights and your future. At Donato Legal Group, our Sacramento robbery lawyer will provide you with the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal process and reach the best possible result for your case. Your freedom and your future are our top priorities.
Contact Donato Legal Group today to get started with our Sacramento robbery lawyer.
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.
-
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.
-
Case Dismissed Vehicle Theft and Evading Law Enforcement
With our client charged with felony vehicle theft and evading law enforcement, Mr. Donato sought out the necessary investigation to show that his client was actually not the driver of the vehicle. The DA dismissed all charges.
-
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.
-
Dismissed 1st Degree Murder
Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; Client was charged with 1st Degree Murder looking at 75 years to Life in prison: upon case discovery review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and get the entire case dismissed in the interest of justice.
-
Reduced to a misdemeanor Charged with 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Dismissed Client was charged with brandishing a firearm when he had a confrontation with his daughter’s boyfriend in his own home. We effectively fought to get this case dismissed on the eve of trial.
-
Penalty Reduced Felony DUI
Client had previously been to prison for multiple DUI’s and was arrested again for DUI. We got client into treatment and persuaded the court (over the prosecutor’s objection) to sentence him to rehab instead of prison. Mr. Gerber is now a successful (and sober) project manager in the Bay Area.
-
Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon
After an intense road rage incident, our client was charged with assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly ramming another car with her own. After diligent investigation and negotiations with the Prosecutors in this case, Mr. Donato persuaded the government to dismiss the case in its entirety.
-
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 Sexual Assault
With a client facing life in prison on sexual assault charges, our office decided to take this case to trial. After fighting to expose the holes in the Prosecution's case, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts. Our client was released from custody the same day.
-
Acquittal Attempted Murder
Client was facing life in prison for attempted murder after a shooting on a bus where the jury found the client acted in self-defense.
-
Case Dismissed Domestic Violence
Client was arrested for domestic violence after boyfriend called the police and lied about a fight he in fact started. We showed the prosecution our client’s medical records documenting her significant injuries in contrast to her boyfriend’s minor injuries and the prosecution dismissed against our client to pursue charges against her boyfriend.
-
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.
-
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 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.
-
Case Dismissed Battery Charged
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.