What Is Robbery with a Firearm?
Florida Statute §812.13 outlines the official state definition for the crime of robbery with a firearm, commonly otherwise known as armed robbery.
For the purposes of this legal offense: ‘Robbery’ means the taking of money or other property which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another, with intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person or the owner of the money or other property, when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.”
And:
If, in the course of committing the robbery, the offender carried a firearm or other deadly weapon, then the robbery is a felony of the first degree.
This means that according to state law, should you have a weapon or gun on your person either A) during an attempt to commit robbery or B) As you are leaving or fleeing the scene following an attempted or successful robbery, you may face these severe charges.
In the state of Florida, a “deadly weapon” is one that a person may reasonably expect will cause serious bodily injury or death, either by way of its original design or by way of use in the process of a crime. Common examples of deadly weapons include guns, knives, glass bottles, steel-toed boots, brass knuckles, objects such as bats or clubs, and even motor vehicles.
Robbery with a Firearm Sentence in Florida
In the state of Florida, robbery with a firearm is a felony of the first degree. Guidelines state that a first-degree felony is punishable by up to 30 years or life imprisonment, as well as court fines up to $10,000. Additionally, a judge may order you to pay restitution to the victim, undergo mandatory counseling, relinquish your firearms to law enforcement, and more.
Many people are surprised to learn that robbery and burglary are not the same criminal offense and are instead two very different charges. You can even incur both criminal charges as the result of the same crime. Learn more about burglary vs. robbery, including possible sentences for each.
Additional Penalties for Robbery with a Firearm in Florida
A first-degree felony conviction will remain on your permanent record for the rest of your life. Anyone who runs a background check on you will be able to see the charges, including potential future employers, landlords, HOAs, and more. This can severely limit where you will be able to work, live, and more.
Additionally, certain professional licenses may be suspended or revoked entirely, such as a license to practice medicine or law. You may also receive a restraining order on behalf of the victim or organization, mandating that you cease contact with and stay away from the named person(s). As a convicted felon you will also likely lose your right to vote in political elections for a specified period of time.
As you can see, the potential consequences for robbery with a firearm in Florida are quite severe and long-lasting. Certain professions omit those with felonies from working for them, such as those who work in childcare or with other vulnerable populations. Many housing communities have rules on the books that prohibit violent felons from living at their residences. Life can become quite challenging following a conviction for armed robbery in Florida, even if you do not have to serve a lengthy prison term.
However, there is help available to you. Having an aggressive criminal defense attorney fighting diligently on your behalf provides you with the best chances of having your charges reduced or even dismissed entirely. Call Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal today to discuss the unique facts surrounding your case and to learn the best next steps to prove your innocence and protect your freedom.
Hiring an Attorney for Robbery with a Firearm Charge in Florida
Criminal defense attorney Matt Shafran at Weinstein Legal is here to assist with your case and will stop at nothing to prove your innocence. Over the years Mr. Shafran has helped countless clients to achieve favorable outcomes in court, seeing many charges either reduced or dismissed entirely.
If you are on probation, parole, have a criminal history or are a repeat violent offender it is even more important that you act quickly and secure an aggressive legal defense. Each day that passes is another day that the state prosecutor’s office is working to build a case against you in an attempt to secure a conviction. You deserve the same tireless legal representation as your constitutional right.
The reality is that there is too much on the line and you stand to lose too many of your rights as an American citizen should the courts secure a conviction against you.
Call the Weinstein Legal Team today for a free and confidential case evaluation to review the specific facts and circumstances surrounding your charges. Our phones are open around the clock, 24 hours a day, every single day of the year so there is never a call for help that will go unanswered. Be sure to ask for partner and head of the criminal defense division attorney Matt Shafran to discuss your charges for armed robbery in Florida.
