If you have recently been arrested on suspicion of armed robbery, your entire future could be in limbo. The penalties that follow a Class 2 felony offense could severely impact your ability to live your life normally.
Fortunately, with the support of a highly skilled Gilbert armed robbery defense lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, you may have a better opportunity to clear your name of the charges against you.
Our team of former prosecutors knows all too well how the district attorney may approach your case. With a reputable Gilbert theft crimes defense lawyer advocating for your liberties, you can rest easier.
Contact our law office to schedule a confidential consultation today and learn more about potential defense strategies, the extent of the charges you are facing, and what your next steps should be.
Armed Robbery Charges Can Be Devastating
Consider contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Gilbert. We can evaluate your options and provide trusted guidance every step of the way.
Under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1904, armed robbery charges may apply if law enforcement officials suspect you committed a robbery while threatening to use or using a simulated or deadly weapon.
This does not only include a knife or a gun but any item that could be used to cause serious bodily injury or death. In most cases, armed robbery is classified as a Class 2 felony offense, one of the most serious crimes under the Arizona judicial code.
Possible Sentences Associated with a Conviction
If you are convicted of armed robbery, the consequences could be devastating. First, you could expect to be ordered to pay a $150,000 fine. Additionally, you could spend up to 12 years and six months in an Arizona prison facility.
Unfortunately, that is not the worst-case scenario. Sometimes, armed robbery offenses can be considered “dangerous offenses” under ARS §13-105. If your case is classified as such, your potential prison sentence could skyrocket from 12.5 years to 21 years.
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Get StartedGilbert Armed Robbery Defense FAQ
Will I Get Bail if I Am Charged with Armed Robbery?
It is possible that the judge will grant you bail even if you are charged with armed robbery. The judge is going to be looking at a number of factors before making their decision, including whether you have an extensive criminal record, if you have strong community ties, and how likely you are to appear at your next court hearing.
If bail is granted, expect it to be higher than it would be if you were charged with robbery, theft, or some other lesser offense.
Can an Armed Robbery Conviction Be Expunged in Gilbert, AZ?
Yes, an armed robbery charge may be eligible for expunction. Under ARS §13-911, you could qualify for the sealing of your criminal record if you were arrested for armed robbery but were never formally charged, the charges against you were ultimately dismissed, or you were acquitted of the armed robbery charges against you. Additionally, you may qualify if your armed robbery sentence has been completed.
However, you will need to wait before you can officially get your record sealed. The waiting period for a Class 2 felony is 10 years from the date you completed your sentence.
Once 10 years have passed, you can petition the court to have your armed robbery conviction sealed and effectively erased from public view.
Will I Qualify for Pretrial Diversion?
It is difficult to say whether you will meet the eligibility requirements for pretrial diversion under HB 2603 – 551R. Generally, the offense must be a first-time crime and a nonviolent offense to qualify.
Since the threat or use of a deadly weapon applies in armed robbery cases, the prosecutor may be able to argue that you do not qualify for pretrial diversion.
However, your Gilbert armed robbery defense attorney will do everything possible to convince the prosecutor that rehabilitative measures are not only in your best interest but will better serve the public as well.
If we can show the district attorney that you are taking the charges against you seriously and are willing to complete the program requirements, they may be willing to reduce your armed robbery charges to a lesser offense or potentially even dismiss the case if you accept a plea bargain.
However, if you enter a pretrial diversion program and do not complete the program terms, expect the prosecutor to proceed with your armed robbery charges at trial.
What Happens During Arraignment?
Arraignment is the first time you appear in court after being accused of armed robbery. This is where the prosecutor formally files the criminal charges against you. At the arraignment, you will enter your plea of “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.”
If you plead “no contest” to a criminal charge or plead guilty, the judge could decide to sentence you right there. However, you will more than likely receive a sentencing hearing at a later date. If you plead not guilty, the judge will set a trial date and determine whether you should be granted bail and, if so, how much bail should be set.
Can I Appeal an Armed Robbery Conviction?
Yes, if you are convicted of armed robbery, that does not mean you have to accept the guilty verdict. You have the right to appeal your conviction with the support of your Gilbert armed robbery defense lawyer.
Our team will carefully review our approach to your case and the state’s evidence against you and determine whether we can get your conviction overturned on appeal or secure a reduced sentence.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Consult a Top-Rated Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer in Gilbert Today
The armed robbery charges against you may be intimidating, but with a powerful legal advocate in your corner, you can feel confident in your defense strategy.
Though armed robbery charges can destroy your reputation, by dodging a conviction, you may be able to get back to your life sooner. Reach out to a dedicated armed robbery defense attorney in Gilbert to discuss potential defense options today.
Our firm offers confidential consultations to the innocent and accused. When you are ready to take control of your defense but are not sure of where to begin, consult our legal team at Suzuki Law Offices.
You can reach us by phone or through our secured contact form to get started as soon as today.
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