Manassas Armed Robbery Lawyer
Defending Against Armed Robbery Charges in Virginia
Virginia courts take robbery offenses very seriously. Prosecutors and police want to protect the Manassas community from this violent crime. When a robbery occurs, the community takes notice and has concern for its safety. Police officers and prosecutors want to prevent as many of these crimes as possible. In doing so, they work to ensure that citizens are safe. To that end, prosecutors and police want to make sure the person faces charges.
When a person is arrested in Manassas, their case is typically heard first in the Prince William General District Court, and in more serious matters, it may be sent to the Circuit Court for trial. Understanding how these local courts handle robbery cases, how bond decisions are made, and what kinds of plea offers are common can make a major difference in a person’s options. Having a robbery attorney Manassas defendants can turn to for local insight and guidance can help you make informed choices instead of reacting out of fear or confusion.
What is Armed Robbery?
Armed robbery is a felony offense involving the use of a weapon. There is no separate offense of armed robbery. In Virginia, robbery occurs when there is an unlawful taking or carrying away of property from a person or his presence through force, threat, or intimidation, and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. Using a weapon is one way prosecutors will try to prove that force, threat, or intimidation was present.
In many cases, the prosecution will rely on surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, or statements made during a police interview to support the elements of force and intent. There may also be issues about whether the object used was actually a weapon, whether threats were clearly communicated, or whether the person accused was even the one involved in the incident. We look closely at each of these details to determine whether the evidence truly supports an armed robbery charge or whether a lesser offense or dismissal should be pursued.
Penalties for Armed Robbery in Virginia
Robbery in Virginia is punishable by 5 years to life in prison (Va. Code §18.2-58). However, the use of a firearm in the commission of a robbery is a separate felony offense under Va. Code §18.2-53.1, with a punishment of three years in prison for a first offense. Additionally, a second offense carries a mandatory minimum punishment of 5 years in prison. An offender can be convicted of both robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in Virginia, and the sentences will be consecutive.
Beyond prison time, a robbery conviction can lead to long-term consequences such as difficulty finding employment, loss of certain civil rights, and challenges with housing or professional licensing. For non-citizens, a felony robbery conviction may also create serious immigration problems. When charges arise from an arrest in or around Manassas, we take time to explain how Virginia’s sentencing structure works and how a conviction could affect your life so that you understand what is at stake before making any major decisions about your case.
What should I do if I am charged with armed robbery in Virginia?
If you are facing charges for armed robbery in Virginia, it is crucial to seek legal representation immediately. Contact a skilled criminal defense attorney who can provide you with the necessary legal guidance and defense strategy to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Acting quickly after an arrest in Manassas allows your attorney to begin gathering records, tracking down witnesses, and reviewing any video or body camera footage before it is lost or becomes harder to obtain. We can also help you understand what to expect at your first appearance, bond hearings, and preliminary hearing in the local courts, so you are not walking in unprepared. Working with a robbery lawyer Manassas residents trust early in the process gives you more opportunities to challenge the evidence and explore options before the case moves deeper into the system.
Common Mistakes When Charged with Armed Robbery
Facing charges of armed robbery can be an overwhelming and daunting experience. Unfortunately, individuals often make critical errors that can significantly impact the outcome of their cases. To avoid these pitfalls, you need to understand what they are. This will allow you to take proactive steps to protect your rights and strengthen your defense.
Common mistakes after being arrested for armed robbery include:
- Talking to the police without an attorney present
- Failing to understand the severity of the charges
- Missing court dates or arriving late to scheduled hearings
- Ignoring legal counsel's advice about what to do and what to avoid
- Discussing the case with family or friends instead of keeping details confidential
- Posting about the case on social media, which can later be used as evidence
- Attempting to represent oneself in court without understanding the rules of evidence or procedure
- Not gathering or preserving evidence that could be helpful, such as messages, receipts, or video
- Making inconsistent or false statements to law enforcement, the court, or others involved
- Underestimating the prosecution's case and assuming the charges will simply go away
How an Attorney Can Help You Avoid These Pitfalls
When you are charged with armed robbery, navigating the legal system can be daunting and fraught with potential missteps. A skilled criminal defense attorney is indispensable in helping you avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your defense.
First and foremost, an attorney will ensure that you do not speak to law enforcement without appropriate legal guidance, thereby protecting your constitutional rights against self-incrimination. They will meticulously review the details of your case, prepare for court appearances, and maintain accurate records to prevent any missed deadlines or important dates that could negatively impact your case.
Legal counsel provides you with professional advice, steering you away from making damaging statements or social media posts. By gathering and preserving key evidence and by crafting a coherent and robust defense strategy, your attorney will aim to counter the prosecution's arguments, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Essentially, an experienced attorney serves as your advocate and guide through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you are well-prepared to face the charges against you.
How We Defend Armed Robbery Charges in Manassas
When we take on an armed robbery case in Manassas, we begin with a detailed review of the evidence gathered by law enforcement and the Commonwealth’s Attorney. We look at how the investigation was conducted, whether any searches or seizures may have violated your constitutional rights, and whether identifications by witnesses were handled properly. By understanding every step that led to your arrest, we can identify weaknesses in the case and opportunities to file motions or negotiate from a position of strength.
We also take time to get to know you, your background, and the circumstances that brought you into contact with the criminal justice system. In some situations, mental health concerns, substance use issues, or difficult personal histories may be important contexts for the court to hear. When appropriate, we work with investigators, mitigation specialists, or other professionals to gather information that can support a reduction in charges, a more favorable plea agreement, or a more reasonable sentence in the Prince William County courts. Throughout the process, we keep you informed so that each decision about trial, plea, or other resolutions is made with a clear understanding of the risks and potential benefits.
Contact Our Manassas Armed Robbery Attorney in Manassas Today
Our Manassas armed robbery lawyers at Dischley Law, PLLC, understand how serious these charges can be and have experience providing a strong legal defense to help protect the rights of our clients. If you are facing robbery charges, do not hesitate to reach out to our team today.
When you contact us, we will take the time to listen to your side of the story, review any charging documents from the Prince William County authorities, and explain the next steps in clear, straightforward terms. We draw on our experience as former prosecutors and our knowledge of how robbery cases are handled in local Virginia courts to build a defense that fits your circumstances and goals. From the first consultation forward, we focus on protecting your future and helping you make informed decisions at every stage of the criminal process.
Call Dischley Law, PLLC today at (703) 215-9337 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Manassas armed robbery defense lawyer.
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Their exceptional assistance and guidance made the process stress-free- Ben
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I chose Dischley Law in part because they are a Veteran-owned firm, but also because of their competitive fees and the compassion they demonstrated as I described my case during the consultation- C.G.
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After receiving a Reckless Driving summons in Fairfax, VA, I contacted a number of lawyers. I found my conversation with Dischley Law to be the most helpful and comforting.- R.M.
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You will not find a more caring and proactive attorney in your search for effective representation. David gets right to the heart of the case, finds the defenses, and presents them at the right time.- J.M.
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