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.

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.

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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.

  • Full Acquittal DUI

    Our office took this case to jury trial and received a full acquittal on all charges including DUI and refusing to take a chemical test.  This would have been Mr. Sanchez's second DUI and would have resulted in a year long license revocation.

  • 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 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 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.

  • 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.

  • Not Guilty Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale

    With a client facing charges for possession of methamphetamine for sale in addition to firearm enhancements, even the judge questioned Mr. Donato as to why he was taking the case to trial. In the end, however, the jury had very few questions to ask, as it took them less than an hour to return their not guilty verdicts for Mr. Donato's client.

  • 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 Robbery & Felony Assault

    Charged with robbery and felony assault resulting in great bodily injury, our client was facing multiple strikes and significant time in prison. Mr. Donato took this case to trial, earning not guilty jury verdicts on both charges. Mr. Escobar walked out of court a free man, holding his young daughter in his arms.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • Not Guilty Attempted Murder

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

  • 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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.