Armed Robbery
What constitutes Robbery?
The offence of robbery involves taking or attempting to take anything of value by force, threat of force or by putting the victim in fear. At common law, robbery is defined as taking the property of another, with the intent to permanently deprive the person of that property, by means of force or fear.
Robbery is prosecuted under section 8(1) of the Theft Act 1968 and can only be heard in the crown court although the first appearance will still take place in the magistrates' court (unless the individual is a minor in which case it will be heard in the Youth Court). Robbery carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The majority of people convicted of robbery receive a prison sentence.
How can a Solicitor Assist?
Defending robbery cases successfully requires highly skilled criminal defence experts. In such cases there is often a great deal of evidence to be considered, including DNA, fingerprint evidence, CCTV evidence and phone evidence. You should always take legal advice before answering any questions from the police, and if charged, before you go to court. One would require the assistance of a criminal defence solicitor.At ULA Solicitors we are dedicated to providing clear advice to you in order to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. This may be to advise at the police station which reduces the chances of you further incriminating yourself, or whether it be the advice of pleading guilty early in order to allow for a 25% reduction in sentence, or getting you an experienced barrister to ensure that you have the best chance if your matter was to proceed to trial. We will always listen to our client's instructions and act in accordance with these and their best interest.
Fees?
As with other criminal law matters the government provides funding by way of legal aid. This is the same in the instance where the individual is charged in relation to a robbery offence. Again, the individual would have to qualify for legal aid on two grounds. Firstly, their disposable income must be below a certain amount and secondly, it must be in the interests of justice that they be represented. With such offences, as they carry lengthy custodial sentences the individual would most definitely satisfy the latter criterion.