If you are convicted of robbery in Arizona, you could face severe penalties. Under A.R.S. § 13-1902, robbery is classified as a Class 4 felony, carrying a prison sentence of 1 to 3.75 years for a first offense, 2.25 to 7.5 years for a second offense, and 6 to 15 years for a third offense. Aggravated robbery (A.R.S. § 13-1903), a Class 3 felony, carries 2 to 8.75 years, while armed robbery (A.R.S. § 13-1904), a Class 2 dangerous felony, can result in 7 to 21 years in prison. In addition to incarceration, a conviction may carry fines up to $150,000, mandatory restitution to the victim, and the loss of civil rights such as the right to vote, possess a firearm, or serve on a jury.
There are four elements that must be included in the crime to face a robbery conviction in Arizona. Our Arizona criminal defense attorneys break it down for you below.
The Four Elements of Robbery in Arizona
1. Taking the Property of Another Person
In order to be convicted of robbery, you must have taken the property of another person. This means that you cannot have just stolen from a business or institution – the property must belong to an individual.
2. Use of Force or Threat of Force
Secondly, you must have used force or threatened to use force in order to take the property. This could mean that you physically harmed the victim or threatened to harm them to get their property.
3. Intent to Permanently Deprive the Victim of Their Property
Third, you must have had the intent to deprive the victim of their property permanently. This means that you must have intended to keep the property for yourself or to sell it and never give it back to the victim.
4. Knowledge that the Property Belongs to Someone Else
Finally, you must have known that the property belonged to someone else. This means that you cannot have mistakenly thought that the property was yours – you must have known that it belonged to the victim.
Protect Your Rights with Suzuki Law Offices
If you are convicted of robbery in Arizona, you could face up to 21 years in prison. Additionally, you may be required to pay restitution to the victim and have a criminal record. If you are facing robbery charges, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you defend your rights.
At Suzuki Law Offices, our criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a variety of theft-related cases, including robbery. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf and help you get the best possible outcome in your case.
Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form