Robbery and aggravated robbery are serious criminal offenses in Texas, and being charged with either one can have severe consequences. However, many people are not aware of the differences between these two crimes and the specific elements that constitute each offense. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of robbery and aggravated robbery in Texas and explain the key differences between them.
What is Robbery?
Robbery is defined as the act of taking or attempting to take something of value from another person through the use of force, violence, or fear. In Texas, robbery is considered a second-degree felony, which carries a punishment of 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The following are the key elements that must be present for an offense to be considered robbery:
- The defendant must have taken or attempted to take property from another person.
- The property must have had some value.
- The property must have been taken from the person's immediate presence.
- The defendant must have used force, violence, or fear to take the property.
What is Aggravated Robbery?
Aggravated robbery is a more serious offense than robbery and involves the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of serious bodily injury. In Texas, aggravated robbery is considered a first-degree felony, which carries a punishment of 5 to 99 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The following are the key elements that must be present for an offense to be considered aggravated robbery:
- The defendant must have taken or attempted to take property from another person.
- The property must have had some value.
- The property must have been taken from the person's immediate presence.
- The defendant must have used a deadly weapon or caused serious bodily injury to the victim.
What are the Differences Between Robbery and Aggravated Robbery?
The key difference between robbery and aggravated robbery is the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of serious bodily injury. If a defendant uses a deadly weapon or causes serious bodily injury during the course of a robbery, the offense is elevated to aggravated robbery. Additionally, aggravated robbery carries a more severe punishment than robbery.
How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help?
If you are facing charges of robbery or aggravated robbery in Texas, it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled attorney can review the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and develop a strong defense strategy to protect your rights and interests. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to negotiate a plea deal or have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Contact Law Office of John L. Venza Jr. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.