The city of Cincinnati has 109% more robberies than the national average. In 2019, there were 897 reported robberies within the city, making it the second most frequently occurring violent crime. A criminal conviction for robbery can lead to serious consequences, including fines, prison sentences, and long-term effects on your criminal record.
An experienced robbery defense lawyer will help you navigate the often overwhelming arrest and court process that follows a robbery charge. Your attorney will fight to have your bond reduced, charges dismissed or reduced, or facilitate the negotiation of a plea bargain.
Defending yourself is not optional if you’re facing criminal charges for robbery. The skilled Cincinnati robbery defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates, LLC can help. Our lawyers have been fighting on behalf of the people of Cincinnati, Ohio for years; contact us at (513) 333-0014 to get a free initial consultation.
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How Suhre & Associates, LLC Can Help If You’ve Been Charged with Robbery in Cincinnati, OH
Navigating the complex criminal court process can be daunting, especially when the charge is as serious as robbery. When you hire one of our Cincinnati criminal defense lawyers, you’re not only hiring someone to fight for you, but you’re also hiring someone who can offer insight and guidance on a process that he has handled cases like yours hundreds of times before.
Our founding attorney is a former police officer. So, we really understand what you’re up against. We’ve been on the other side of the law, and we’re ready to take our experience and insight and use it to benefit you.
You probably have a lot of questions. That’s why we offer a free initial case evaluation. Contact our Cincinnati law office to discuss your case with our criminal defense team specializing in robbery charges at no charge today.
What Is Robbery?
A person is guilty of robbery in Ohio when he/she takes personal property from another person against their will while using some kind of physical force or threat of physical force. Basically, if there is an allegation that the accused, in the course of committing theft, used violence or the threat of violence, it will increase the crime from theft crime to robbery.
Some of the most common examples of robbery that you read about in the news or see on television include:
- Carjacking;
- “Hold up” cases with a weapon;
- Bank robberies where someone says they have a gun;
- Home invasions; and
- Purse snatching.
There are two degrees of robbery – robbery in the first degree and robbery in the second degree. The difference between the two is whether physical injury actually occurred to another person, or a deadly weapon was threatened or used by the person committing the theft while the theft occurred.
It is important to note that if you had the property owner’s consent to take the “stolen” property, you cannot be convicted of robbery under Kentucky law.
Robbery In The First Degree
A person is guilty of robbery in the first degree when, in the course of committing theft, he/she uses or threatens the immediate use of physical force upon another person with intent to accomplish the theft and when he/she:
(a) Causes physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime; or
(b) Is armed with a deadly weapon; or
(c) Uses or threatens the immediate use of a dangerous instrument upon any person who is not a participant in the crime.
Robbery in the first degree is a Class B felony.
Robbery In The Second Degree
A person is guilty of robbery in the second degree when, in the course of committing theft, he/she uses or threatens the immediate use of physical force upon another person with intent to accomplish the theft. No physical injury to another person, deadly weapon, or threat to use a dangerous weapon is required for a charge of robbery in the second degree.
Robbery in the second degree is a Class C felony.
“Physical force” means force used upon or directed toward the body of another person. (Ky. Rev. Stat. § 515.010)
Additionally, charges and the correspondence penalties/sentences may be enhanced depending on the following factors:
- The alleged robber has prior convictions;
- the value of the stolen property is substantial;
- the level of violence or intimidation used during the theft was severe;
- The nature of the victim (elderly, minor, etc.); and
- The severity of the injury, if any.
Always speak with an attorney if you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Cincinnati, OH.
What Is The Punishment For Robbery in Ohio?
Robbery is punished very harshly in Ohio due to the opinion that endangering a human life by using violence or threatening to use violence to gain tangible property is callous.
In addition to incarceration, probation, and other sentences, Kentucky law provides for fines, community service, and restitution. Those convicted of robbery who are unable to pay restitution to the victims may be ordered to perform community service instead.
Robbery in the first degree is a Class B Felony, punishable by between 5 and 20 years in state prison. Additionally, a conviction can result in fines of up to $10,000 or double the amount of gain from the commission of the offense, whichever is greater.
Robbery in the second degree is a Class C Felony, for which a conviction can result in between 5 and 10 years in prison. Fines, ranging between $1,000 and $1,000 or double the amount of gain from the commission of the offense, whichever is greater, can also apply.
Additionally, the consequences of a robbery conviction can have ramifications in addition to criminal punishment, including a negative impact on social relationships, family relationships, and the availability of future employment and government assistance.
How Can I Defend Myself If I’m Facing A Robbery Charge In Cincinnati, Ohio?
Depending on the facts surrounding your arrest, there are a plethora of defenses that may be available to you. Our experienced lawyers will analyze the facts and evidence particular to your case to identify which defenses are likely to be the most successful. Our team will gather evidence, utilize experts, speak to witnesses, and more to build the strongest defense for you. Common examples of defenses to a robbery charge are:
- Consent;
- Mistaken identity;
- Lack of evidence of stolen property;
- Illegal search and seizure;
- Illegal arrest or failure of law enforcement to administer Miranda rights;
- Mistake as to ownership of the “stolen” property;
- Lack of intent to permanently deprive the victim of the property;
- Entrapment; and
- Duress.
As evidence in the prosecution’s case, robbery suspects are often identified by witnesses. In cases where eyewitnesses are used to pick out a suspect, the accused has constitutional rights that must be respected. Where they are not, the accused may have a due process challenge, and the evidence may be disregarded.
Further, the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high threshold to meet. By utilizing the skills gained over the course of many, many years’ experience, your lawyer will examine the evidence against you to determine flaws in the prosecution’s case, and will work tirelessly to defend, dismiss, or reduce the charges against you. However, if a conviction is unavoidable, your robbery defense lawyer will negotiate the best possible deal for you, and provide you with strong representation and guidance throughout the process.
Contact Our Cincinnati Robbery Defense Lawyers Today
When facing a robbery charge, the sooner you contact an experienced robbery criminal defense lawyer in Cincinnati, the sooner we can begin working to build the best possible defense for you. At Suhre & Associates, we approach each case with vigor and dedication.
While each case is different, there is one thing that remains constant and that is the need for an experienced defense attorney on your side who understands what Ohio’s robbery laws require for a conviction.
Being arrested for robbery in Cincinnati, Ohio is only the start of a lengthy and complex criminal process. Let the lawyers at Suhre & Associates simplify the process for you.
When you hire Suhre & Associates, here’s what you’ll get:
- A team of lawyers whose practices are dedicated exclusively to criminal defense;
- Years of combined experience defending robbery and other theft crimes in Cincinnati;
- Former law enforcement on your team, who understand the complexities of robbery charges;
- Hundreds of jury trials successfully completed; and
- A “10 out of 10” rating on Avvo (attorney Joe Suhre).
If you are ready to learn more about how we can help defend you against an accusation of robbery crimes, Visit our law office in Cincinnati. We welcome the opportunity to assist you during this challenging time.
