Last Updated on: 13th October 2023, 12:10 am

Brooklyn Robbery Defense Lawyers – Your Guide to Fighting Charges

Getting charged with a robbery in Brooklyn can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and the DAs are tough. But having a good lawyer on your side makes all the difference. This article will give you the lowdown on robbery charges in Brooklyn, and how an experienced defense attorney can help you.Let’s start with the basics – what exactly is robbery in New York? Basically, it’s stealing by force. If you take someone‘s property by using or threatening to use physical force, that’s robbery. There are a few degrees of robbery charges in Brooklyn:

• Third Degree – Forcible stealing without a weapon. This is a Class D felony with up to 7 years in prison.
• Second Degree – Robbery that causes physical injury, involves a firearm, or stealing a vehicle. This is a Class C felony with up to 15 years in prison.
• First Degree – Robbery with serious physical injury or a deadly weapon. This is a Class B felony with up to 25 years in prison.

As you can see, these charges are no joke. The DAs take them very seriously, and will push hard for convictions and long sentences – especially if weapons were involved.Luckily, an experienced Brooklyn robbery defense lawyer knows how to fight these charges. They dig deep into the evidence and look for flaws in the DA’s case. For example, if the police violated your rights by searching you illegally, a good lawyer can get evidence thrown out. Or if there are inconsistencies in witness statements, your attorney can expose those on cross-examination.

Building a Strong Defense Strategy

There are various ways a skilled attorney can defend against robbery charges in Brooklyn:

• Questioning the evidence – The police and DA have the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your lawyer will scrutinize all the evidence and testimony, looking for reasonable doubt. Even small inconsistencies can create doubt in the jury’s mind.
• Suppressing evidence – If the police violated your constitutional rights by searching you without probable cause, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress that evidence. This could seriously damage the DA’s case.
• Self-defense claim – If you took someone’s property while defending yourself, your attorney can argue you acted in self-defense, not with criminal intent.
• Mistaken identity – Eyewitness misidentification is a common cause of wrongful convictions. Your lawyer may be able to show the witnesses fingered the wrong person.
• Mental health defense – If mental illness contributed to your actions, your attorney can argue you weren’t fully responsible. This may lead to treatment instead of jail time.

The key is finding weaknesses in the DA’s case and presenting persuasive counter-arguments. An experienced robbery defense lawyer will know how to do this effectively.

Why Hire a Brooklyn Robbery Lawyer?

Facing robbery charges without a lawyer is extremely unwise. The prosecutors want convictions, and they won‘t go easy on you if you try to defend yourself.Here are some key reasons to hire a Brooklyn robbery defense attorney:

• Avoiding conviction – Your best chance at beating the charges is with an aggressive defense lawyer in your corner. They know how to get charges reduced or dismissed.
• Reduced sentencing – Even if convicted, a good lawyer can negotiate with the DA for lesser penalties through plea bargaining. This keeps you out of jail.
• Protecting your rights – The police and DAs sometimes violate rights to get convictions. Your lawyer ensures your rights are protected.
• Peace of mind – Knowing you have an experienced professional defending you provides confidence and relief during a stressful time.

Don’t take chances with public defenders or going it alone. Hire a proven Brooklyn robbery defense lawyer to give yourself the best shot at a positive outcome.

How Do Robbery Lawyers Defend Their Clients?

Wondering exactly how a skilled robbery defense attorney fights these charges on your behalf? Here are some of the most effective techniques they use:

• Investigating the facts – Your lawyer will thoroughly examine police reports, witness statements, forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and anything else related to the case. They need to understand what happened inside and out.
• Interviewing witnesses – Witness memories and perceptions are often faulty. Your lawyer may interview witnesses to uncover inconsistencies or alternative explanations.
• Consulting experts – In some cases, expert testimony is needed to rebut the DA’s evidence. For example, a forensic psychologist could challenge eyewitness testimony.
• Filing motions – Your attorney can file motions asking the judge to throw out illegally obtained evidence or make other favorable rulings. This legal maneuvering can get charges dismissed.
• Plea bargaining – If the evidence is stacked against you, your lawyer can negotiate with the DA for reduced charges or sentencing in exchange for a guilty plea.
• Trial advocacy – If a plea deal can’t be reached, your attorney has the trial skills to argue your case before a judge and jury. This gives you the best shot at acquittal.

Having a lawyer who knows how to leverage these strategies is imperative when facing robbery allegations. Don‘t leave your fate to chance – hire a Brooklyn robbery defense pro.

Key Defense Strategies

Let’s explore some of the most common and effective strategies Brooklyn robbery lawyers use to get charges reduced or dismissed:

Challenging Probable Cause

Police need probable cause to make an arrest. If they didn‘t have sufficient justification to detain you, your lawyer can argue the arrest was illegal. This may get evidence thrown out or lead to dropped charges.

Suppressing Evidence

If the police violated your rights by searching you without a warrant or reasonable suspicion, your attorney can file a suppression motion. If granted, any illegally obtained evidence cannot be used against you.

Self-Defense Claims

If you took someone’s property while defending yourself, your lawyer can argue you acted in self-defense, not with criminal intent. This is a solid defense strategy.

Questioning Witness Credibility

Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable. Your lawyer will scrutinize witness statements to find inconsistencies that create reasonable doubt about what happened.

Mental Health Defenses

If mental illness contributed to your actions, your lawyer can argue you weren’t fully responsible. This may lead to psychiatric treatment instead of jail time.

Plea Bargaining

Your lawyer can negotiate with the DA to get charges reduced or penalties decreased in exchange for a guilty plea. This avoids the risks of trial.

Why Act Fast?

If you‘ve been arrested for robbery in Brooklyn, it‘s crucial to act quickly and call a defense lawyer right away. Here’s why:

• You only have a limited window to preserve evidence that could help your case. Your lawyer needs to act fast.
• The police may try to get a confession from you. Don’t say anything until your lawyer is present!
• Early plea negotiations lead to better outcomes. The earlier your lawyer gets involved, the better deal they can negotiate.
• Your lawyer needs time to build the strongest defense strategy possible. This takes investigation and preparation.

Don’t delay! Call an experienced Brooklyn robbery defense lawyer immediately after an arrest. This gives you the best chance of beating the charges.

How Much Does a Brooklyn Robbery Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a robbery defense lawyer depends on their experience level and the complexity of your case. On average, you can expect to pay:

• $2,000 – $5,000 for a misdemeanor – This covers legal fees to get misdemeanor charges dismissed or reduced to violations.
• $5,000 – $15,000 for a felony – Felony charges require more legal work to avoid conviction and harsh sentencing.
• $15,000+ for serious felonies – Charges like armed robbery or those involving injuries necessitate extensive defense efforts and trial preparation.

Reputable attorneys offer payment plans to make their services affordable. It‘s a worthwhile investment to protect your future and avoid jail time. Public defenders are free but have extremely high caseloads. Private counsel is strongly advised.

FAQs About Brooklyn Robbery Defense

If you’re facing robbery charges in Brooklyn, you likely have many pressing questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Q: What happens at an arraignment for robbery charges?At your arraignment, you will be formally charged, informed of your rights, and asked to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest). The judge decides bail and may impose restrictions like a protection order.

Q: What factors increase robbery sentences in Brooklyn?Use of weapons, causing injuries, prior record, and amount stolen increase sentences. First-time offenders with no injuries or weapons generally get lighter sentences.

Q: What is the sentence for first-degree robbery in Brooklyn?First-degree robbery carries 5 to 25 years in prison. But first-time offenders often get the minimum 5 year sentence through plea bargaining.

Q: Can robbery charges be dismissed in Brooklyn?Yes, an experienced lawyer can sometimes get charges dismissed by challenging evidence, eyewitnesses, or showing illegal police conduct. A strong defense is key.

Q: What should I do if arrested for robbery in Brooklyn?Invoke your right to remain silent, don’t resist arrest, and request your lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything to police without counsel present.

The Takeaway

Here are the key takeaways about fighting robbery charges in Brooklyn:

• Robbery is a serious felony charge that can result in years behind bars if convicted. Don’t go it alone.
• An aggressive criminal defense lawyer can often get charges reduced or dismissed through suppression motions, plea bargains, and trial advocacy.
• Act quickly after arrest to preserve evidence and begin building your defense strategy. This maximizes positive outcomes.
• Hiring a seasoned Brooklyn robbery attorney with proven trial experience is your best bet at avoiding harsh penalties.
• With an expert lawyer on your side, you can rest assured knowing your rights are protected and your defense is in good hands.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for robbery in Brooklyn, don’t delay. Call a top-rated defense lawyer right away for skilled representation. The sooner you act, the better your chances of beating the charges.