Robbery Criminal Defense Lawyers in Burlington, NC

When you or a loved one has been charged with robbery in North Carolina, the first step you need to take is finding a knowledgeable defense attorney to litigate the case. At Smith Giles Attorneys at Law, our team has years of experience providing clients the legal representation they need when facing robbery charges in Alamance County. Get the expert legal counsel you need to fight your case by scheduling an initial consultation with our criminal defense team today!

Classification for Robbery in North Carolina

In North Carolina, robbery can apply to a number of different scenarios — each of which is classified as a felony under state law. The specific type of felony classification that’s applied depends on the type of robbery that was committed:

  • Armed robbery: Also referred to as “robbery with firearms or other dangerous weapons,” armed robbery is considered a Class D felony in Alamance County.
  • Common-law robbery: This type of robbery is considered a Class G felony and usually involves robbery using threat or force.
  • Train robbery: Train robbery is defined as any person entering a locomotive engine or car and compels any person to sacrifice their personal belongings by threats, exhibition of deadly weapons, or discharge of a deadly weapon. This is classified as a Class D felony.
  • Safecracking: This happens when someone is caught unlawfully opening a safe or vault and is classified as a Class I felony in Burlington, NC

Depending on the class of felony you’re charged with, the penalties for robbery will vary. If you are unsure about the type of felony charge you face in your robbery case, consult with your Smith Giles PLLC criminal defense attorney to better understand your options.

Penalties for Robbery in North Carolina

Robbery is a serious felony offense in North Carolina and therefore comes with severe penalties. Depending on the type of robbery you are charged with, the following penalties could apply to your case:

  • Class D felony – armed robbery, train robbery: Punishable by a maximum of 204 months in prison.
  • Class G felony – common-law robbery: Maximum punishment of 47 months in prison.
  • Class I felony –safecracking: Punishable by a maximum sentence of 24 months in prison.

In addition to active jail time, those convicted of robbery in Burlington, NC, may also face other punishment conditions, including:

  • Civil judgment for damages
  • Community service
  • Court costs
  • Fines
  • Probation
  • Restitution

The best way to ensure the most favorable sentencing in your robbery defense case is to have the right criminal defense attorney by your side. Find the legal representation you need to fight your case by contacting the criminal defense lawyers at Smith Giles PLLC today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery in North Carolina

What is common-law robbery in North Carolina?

Common-law robbery is defined as the taking of another’s property through the use of force, violence, or the threat of force or violence. This does not necessarily need to involve the use of a deadly weapon. For instance, if someone is walking home from a friend’s house and another person steals that person’s phone out of their hand, the person who took the phone has committed a common-law robbery.

What is considered a dangerous weapon in North Carolina?

While “dangerous weapon” is not clearly defined under North Carolina statute 14-87, past court rulings can provide some context as to which weapons are considered deadly or dangerous. In State v. West, for example, the court defined these weapons as guns, swords, large knives, iron bars, or any other heavy instrument “by a blow from which a grievous hurt would probably be inflicted.”

Smith Giles PLLC Robbery Defense Attorneys in Burlington, NC

When you’re facing criminal robbery charges in Burlington, NC, Smith Giles PLLC has the criminal defense attorneys you need to litigate your case. Get the expert legal representation you need to secure a more favorable sentence by scheduling an initial consultation with the criminal defense lawyers at Smith Giles PLLC today!

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