Last Updated on: 26th July 2023, 08:56 pm

Unraveling the Anatomy of Legal Processes in Criminal Proceedings

The Distinct Responsibilities of Jurors and Judges

In the realm of criminal proceedings, the jury takes the baton of judgment to discern the guilt or innocence of an accused individual. Meanwhile, the judge steps into the picture to determine the appropriate penalty in instances of confirmed guilt. Informed by the existing criminal laws applicable to the situation and location, the judge’s verdict is formulated. It is crucial to seek the guidance of a criminal defense attorney immediately after being indicted. After all, comprehending the full scope and implications of every charge is not a feat every defendant can accomplish.

Pondering Penalties and Consequences

Every criminal law book reserves a segment proposing the potential repercussions aligned with each crime. These implications span across a range of years, pointing towards the minimum and maximum sentences an accused might receive. Variables such as the defendant’s age and any past criminal records seep into the judge’s decision-making process when determining the punishment.

The Case of New York: An Illustration

New York’s laws provide a crystal-clear picture of the lowest and highest possible terms of incarceration. A judge’s challenge lies in arriving at a punishment that diverges from these boundaries. As an instance, in second-degree robbery scenarios, the minimum tenure is a year, while the upper limit stretches up to fifteen years.

Contemplating Alternate Penalties

Statutory laws occasionally prescribe alternative forms of punishment applicable in less severe instances. These can take the form of restitution, community service, or monetary fines. For those finding restitution financially burdensome, community service emerges as a viable alternative.

Unraveling the Decision-making Process in Robbery Cases

During a robbery trial, the judge weighs in on various factors. These factors include the value of stolen property, the degree of violence exercised, and the victim’s profile. Understanding these factors gives the judge a more profound insight into the perpetrator’s character.

Assessing the Impact of Violence and Weapon Use

The presence of violence during a robbery escalates the charges due to the categorization of the act as an aggravated assault. In certain jurisdictions, weapon use does not stand alone as a separate crime. However, it significantly influences the resulting sentence, typically resulting in a more extended punishment period.

The Silver Lining: Mitigating Factors

Mitigating factors play a pivotal role in reducing the intensity of the crime and, correspondingly, the punishment. Acceptance of crime, return of stolen property, and a clean past record can potentially serve as mitigating factors.

Exploring Defensive Strategies

When facing robbery charges, the accused has an array of defensive routes at their disposal.

Innocence: The Most Vital Defense

In a criminal trial, the onus lies with the government to establish the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Here, the defendant’s mission is to ensure the government falls short of this level of certainty. This can be achieved by presenting evidence that contradicts the prosecution’s claims or by challenging the prosecution’s evidence. Alibis, eye-witness testimonies, and video footages can serve as essential components in proving the defendant’s innocence. If the jury harbors any doubts regarding the prosecution’s allegations, the accused might walk free.

Duress: A Potential Game Changer

Demonstrating duress – that the defendant was coerced into committing the crime

under threats of bodily harm or death – can offer a solid defense against robbery charges. However, this is notoriously difficult to prove and has often been dismissed by courts, especially when the fear of harm was minimal or if there were chances to avoid committing the crime without the risk of injury.

Entrapment: A Twisted Tale

The entrapment defense is used when the defendant was pushed into committing the robbery. Although challenging to establish, they can be potent defenses when applicable. The defendant needs to show the victim provoked the robbery to bring charges against them. If the defendant had any intent to commit the robbery, this defense crumbles, even if other parties have engineered the crime to gather evidence against the accused.

Intoxication: A Double-Edged Sword

Intoxication can serve as an affirmative defense, where any element of the robbery can’t be proved.

Voluntary Intoxication: A Risky Route

In some states, voluntary intoxication serves as a defense, not for dismissing charges but for pleading to a lesser one. Robbery involves an intent to steal someone’s property using violence. If the defendant was intoxicated during the act, the court must establish whether the accused had the necessary intent. This is where an affirmative defense comes into play since the intent cannot be conclusively determined. If proven, the defendant might be convicted of lesser charges due to the lower threshold for intent.

Involuntary Intoxication: A Possible Excuse

A defendant might be excused from criminal behavior if they can prove their intoxication was not a result of their actions. This involves showing that they became intoxicated without their knowledge or against their will.

References:

• FindLaw: Robbery Defenses
• Legal Match: Robbery Defenses
• Free Advice: Robbery Degrees
• FindLaw: Robbery Penalties and Sentencing