Armed robbery is one of the most serious violent crimes you can be accused of committing. Although you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, the burden of proof often falls on the defense to introduce reasonable doubt in the minds of the judge and jury. Make sure you have a powerful Tucson armed robbery defense lawyer in your corner.
Suzuki Law Offices include a team of former prosecutors who have insight into how the district attorney may approach your case. This allows us to craft the strongest defense possible based on the specific circumstances of your case. Contact a Tucson theft crime defense lawyer reputable at our firm today to request a confidential consultation.
Armed Robbery Is Taken Seriously in Tucson
Arizona prosecutors take armed robbery seriously. In 2023, there were 4,517 armed robbery arrests, with only 7.8% of robberies not involving a weapon, according to Arizona Violent Crime Statistics. The district attorney handling your case may be willing to offer a plea agreement or allow you to enter pretrial diversion if you are a first-time offender and no one was injured or killed.
But you can expect the prosecutor handling your case to do everything in their power to obtain a conviction. Even if the evidence against you is weak, once the district attorney has filed charges, unless we can offer compelling evidence convincing them to dismiss your case, you can expect to go to trial. The burden of proof is supposed to be on the prosecutor to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Arizona Judicial Branch.
Unfortunately, after your arrest, despite the fact that you are supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, it will be up to your Tucson criminal defense lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices to convince the jury you should be acquitted. We may need to provide powerful forensic evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to clear your name. You can explore your defense options further and learn more about how armed robbery cases unfold when you meet with our legal team during a confidential consultation.
When You Can Be Charged with Armed Robbery
Armed robbery charges may apply under Arizona Revised Statute §13-1904 if you are accused of threatening to use or using a weapon while committing a robbery. The prosecutor must prove each element of the offense has been met for the jury to convict you. Some examples of items that could be considered weapons include:
- Guns
- Knives
- Replica guns
- Baseball bats
- Unloaded guns
- Vehicles
- Explosives
- Sticks or rocks
Even if the weapon in question was fake, never pointed at the alleged victim, or you were simply pretending you had a weapon while committing a robbery if the alleged victim believed you had a weapon on you, armed robbery charges may apply.
For this reason, our team will carefully consider the specific details of your case to determine whether we can reduce your charges to a standard robbery or burglary charge. In some cases, we may even be able to get your charges reduced to breaking and entering under Arizona Revised Statute 13-1506.
Penalties for Tucson Armed Robbery Convictions
Most armed robbery charges are classified as class two felonies. Under the Arizona armed robbery statute, there is a mandatory minimum prison term of at least seven years if you are convicted. However, your time in prison could be increased to up to 21 years or longer if you are a habitual offender.
In the event anyone is seriously harmed or killed, you could even be facing life in prison. Additionally, you may need to pay fines as high as $150,000, participate in mental health counseling or group therapy, or potentially participate in an anger management treatment program. You could also be ordered to pay restitution to the alleged victims in your case.
Collateral Consequences
In addition to the criminal penalties that come with a guilty verdict for armed robbery, collateral consequences may be long-lasting. Your collateral consequences describe the various ways your life will continue to be affected post-conviction. For instance, many defendants who come to a Tucson armed robbery defense attorney for help on appeal have reported issues with:
- Immigration
- Student aid
- Child custody
- Housing
- Employment
- Personal and professional relationships
The Suzuki Law Offices Difference
One of the most important decisions you will make after being charged with armed robbery is who you choose to represent you. When you go online searching for an armed robbery defense attorney in Tucson, you will find countless search results, with each criminal defense law firm claiming to be the best. But Suzuki Law Offices’ experience and dedication are truly unmatched.
As former prosecutors, we have in-depth insight into how the district attorney handling your case might proceed. It will be our goal to reduce your armed robbery charges down to a lesser offense wherever possible, so you can avoid some of the harsher criminal penalties. Your armed robbery defense lawyer in Tucson may even be able to file a motion to get the charges against you dismissed altogether, if prosecutorial or police misconduct taints the case.
With our inside knowledge and ability to anticipate the district attorney’s next steps, you stand a strong chance of securing a not-guilty verdict. Of course, this is assuming your case goes to trial. If we can get you enrolled in a pretrial diversion program or work out a plea with the prosecutor, you may never have to step foot inside a courtroom.
Speak with a Leading Tucson Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer Today
Your armed robbery charges may be serious, but they do not need to define your future. With the legal support of a high-powered Tucson violent crimes lawyer from Suzuki Law Offices, you can clear your name of the violent crime charges against you. With so much to lose, enlisting the services of a dedicated criminal defense law firm is highly advisable.
Your Tucson armed robbery defense attorney is available 24 hours a day, so we are here when you need us most. Whether you are stuck in jail and awaiting trial or are the family members of someone who has been taken into custody for suspicion of armed robbery, our firm can help you through these difficult times.
Complete our secured contact form or call us to schedule your defense strategy session as soon as today.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form