Robbery is considered a serious crime by South Carolina courts, and a conviction can have a significant impact on every aspect of your life. Mainly, it can lead to a sentence in state prison, and with certain offenses, there is a mandatory minimum sentence. If you are being accused of such a crime, continue reading to learn how a seasoned Chesterfield County theft lawyer at The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. can fight on your behalf to reduce or altogether eliminate the charges against you.
How does the state of South Carolina define robbery?
In the state of South Carolina, a robbery involves the taking of property from a person or in the presence of a person through threats or fear of harm. Specifically, a strong-arm robbery is one where there is no weapon involved. On the other hand, an armed robbery is one where a weapon is involved, and thus the state has implemented additional statutes that make it a more serious offense.
What are the charges for committing robbery in the state of South Carolina?
In the state of South Carolina, it is considered a felony to commit an armed robbery, or a robbery with any object reasonably believed to be a deadly weapon. For example, this can be a real weapon, such as a gun or knife, or this can be a fake weapon, such as a fake gun or another simulated weapon.
As such, an armed robbery holds the penalty of a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum prison sentence of 30 years. Notably, the option of parole cannot be granted until you serve at least seven years of your given sentence.
Additionally, South Carolina law considers it a felony to commit attempted robbery. Specifically, an attempt requires that you had an intent to commit a crime and you made steps to complete the said crime. An attempted robbery holds the penalty of a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
What are the defenses I can take against my robbery charge?
It is common to take the defense that you abandoned your attempt to commit the robbery. With this, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed or attempted to commit the robbery and/or used or threatened to use force in carrying out the robbery without abandonment. Regardless, it is in your best interest to reach out to a knowledgeable Chesterfield criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our firm can work to help you avoid a conviction for the crime and jail time.
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For competent and trustworthy legal counsel involving criminal law, personal injury law, divorce & separation, and family law, contact The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.
