Strong Arm Robbery
Under Florida law, the crime of strong-arm robbery is defined as the taking of money or other property by coercion, threat, or force without the use of a weapon. A strong arm robbery charge does NOT necessarily require any proof that you used or possessed a firearm or other weapon.
Prosecutors treat these cases seriously because of the accusation that a person was robbed with a threat of violence or actual force. As a result, prosecutors often seek a prison sentence even for a first offense.
Keep in mind that the charge is particularly serious because even if the court agrees to “withhold adjudication,” and even if you complete the terms of probation, you will not ever be eligible to seal the record.
The attorney that you hire also needs to be able to address any pre-trial publicity related to the case because robbery cases often get reported in the news and local newspapers.
Attorney for Strong Arm Robbery Cases in Tampa, FL
The attorneys at [firm] are experienced in aggressively fighting criminal accusations in robbery cases in general and strong-arm robbery cases in particular. During the free and confidential initial consultation, we can discuss the charges pending against you, the potential penalties that apply, and the best defenses to fight the charges aggressively.
Find out what you must do to protect yourself against these accusations.
Suppose any law enforcement officer wants you to make a statement. In that case, you should be aware that you have a right to invoke the 5th Amendment right to remain silent and the 6th Amendment right to have an attorney represent you at all stages of the case.
Making a statement is rarely in your best interest. Instead, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you remain silent so that the attorney can present your side of the case to the investigating officer or the prosecutor.
If you were arrested for strong-armed robbery, contact an attorney at the Sammis Law Firm to help you fight the case.
We represent clients in Tampa in Hillsborough County, St. Petersburg or Clearwater in Pinellas County, New Port Richey or Dade City in Pasco County, Bartow or Winterhaven in Polk County, or Brooksville in Hernando County.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. Call 813-250-0500.
Penalties for Strong Arm Robbery in Florida
Strong-arm robbery is charged as a second-degree felony, which is punishable by up to fifteen (15) years in Florida State Prison.
Unlike robbery with a firearm, the crime of strong-arm robbery does not carry a requirement for a minimum mandatory prison sentence (unless you are also designated as a career criminal subject to enhanced penalties as a Habitual Violent Offender (HVO) or a Prison Releasee Reoffender (PRRP).
If you have no prior record, the prosecutor might agree to allow you to enter the Pretrial Intervention (PTI). However, such a result is rare unless serious problems exist with prosecuting the case or the alleged victim’s credibility.
If you have no prior record, it is essential to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can present all of the mitigation or favorable factors that might persuade the prosecutor to resolve the case for terms that are much better than the typical result in that courtroom.
Common Examples of Strong Arm Robbery Accusations
Many cases of unarmed robbery are charged as strong-armed robbery. One example would be if you tell the person you have a firearm in your pocket (even though you don’t actually have a firearm).
Suppose the alleged victim hands over money or property because of that threat. In that case, the case might be charged as strong-armed robbery even though the law enforcement officers have no way of proving that you possessed a firearm or another type of weapon.
Strong-armed robbery can also be charged when you hit or strike a person in order to get them to turn over their property. In this type of case, you might also be charged with a separate battery offense or aggravated battery.
In some cases, the prosecutor might charge the crime as an attempted armed robbery when the suspect is caught before actually committing the robbery.
Additional Resources
Penalties for Robbery with a Firearm in Florida – Read more about the minimum mandatory sentencing penalties for robbery using a firearm under Florida law.
Penalties for Home Invasion Robbery in Florida – Find information on the penalties and punishments for home invasion robbery in Florida.
Florida State Statute Burglary – Visit the website of the Florida Legislature to learn more about Florida Statute Section 810.02(1)(a) for burglary offenses involving entering or remaining in conveyance, structure, or dwelling with the intent to commit a crime therein.
This article was last updated on Friday, May 14, 2021.
