Columbia Armed Robbery Attorney

Armed robbery is a very serious criminal charge, and it involves using fear or intimidation to take something of value that belongs to someone else. While armed robbery can involve a weapon, it’s not a required element. If you’ve been charged with armed robbery, it’s time to consult with an experienced Columbia armed robbery attorney.

The Charge of Armed Robbery

In the State of South Carolina, the charge of armed robbery applies to committing robbery – or taking something of value that belongs to someone else – and using violence or intimidation of some kind to do so. At its most basic, armed robbery means that the accused used force to take something that didn’t belong to them.

Being Armed with a Deadly Weapon

If – during the commission of a robbery – the accused was armed with a gun, knife, or any other kind of deadly weapon, the charge of armed robbery very clearly applies. It’s important to note, however, that a deadly weapon doesn’t necessarily have to be involved for you to face an armed robbery charge.

Claiming to be Armed with a Deadly Weapon

If the person who commits the robbery isn’t armed with a deadly weapon but claims to be or implies that they are, it can lead to an armed robbery charge. Claiming to have a deadly weapon involves the robber telling the victim that they’re armed in order to frighten them into compliance.

Implying that a deadly weapon is involved requires taking some action that makes the victim believe the robber is armed. A classic example is pointing something that is obscured by a pocket at the victim and saying – I have a gun.

If the perpetrator causes the victim to reasonably believe they are being robbed with a deadly weapon, which causes them to comply out of fear, the robber can face the enhanced charge of armed robbery.

Class A Felony

Armed robbery is a class A felony in South Carolina, which makes it a most serious offense. A conviction for armed robbery carries the following harsh legal fines and penalties:

• A prison sentence of from 10 to 30 years
• No possibility of parole until at least 7 years of the prison sentence have been served
• No possibility of expungement under current laws, which means the conviction can’t be sealed and, therefore, will have lasting social consequences

Attempted Armed Robbery

Attempted armed robbery involves having the intention of using a deadly weapon to commit armed robbery but being foiled in the process. For example, robbing a home with a knife or gun while the homeowner is away but being thwarted by the homeowner’s return can lead to an attempted armed robbery charge, which is a Class C felony that carries up to 20 years in prison.

An Experienced Columbia Armed Robbery Lawyer Can Help

Jonathan Harvey at the Law Office of Jonathan M. Harvey is an accomplished Columbia armed robbery attorney who has the experience, legal resources, and insight to help guide the case against you toward a favorable resolution. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 803-779-3363 today.