What is armed robbery under Arizona law?

Armed robbery occurs when someone takes another’s property by force or fear while armed with a deadly weapon or any object used as a weapon. Under A.R.S. § 13-1904, it is a Class 2 felony punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison and substantial fines.

How does armed robbery differ from simple robbery?

Simple robbery involves taking property by force or fear without a weapon. Armed robbery adds the element of a weapon, increasing the charge to a more serious felony with higher mandatory prison terms and enhanced sentencing.

What should I do if I’m arrested for armed robbery in Glendale?

Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Do not discuss the allegations with police or others. Contact a Glendale armed robbery defense lawyer to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and begin building your defense strategy.

What defenses are available against armed robbery charges?

Potential defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to permanently deprive, defense of others or self, improper police procedure (e.g., illegal search or lineup), and insufficient evidence to prove you were armed or used force.

What penalties can I face if convicted of armed robbery?

Conviction carries a mandatory prison sentence of 7 to 12.5 years, with potential enhancements for using a firearm or serious bodily injury. Fines can exceed $150,000, and you may face restitution orders to victims.

Can armed robbery charges be reduced to a lesser offense?

Yes. Through plea negotiations, a skilled attorney may secure a reduction to robbery or aggravated assault if the weapon element is challenged or dropped, resulting in lower sentencing ranges and fewer long-term consequences.

What role do eyewitnesses play in armed robbery cases?

Eyewitness testimony often forms the prosecution’s case. Your lawyer will challenge identification procedures, highlight inconsistencies, and present alternative theories of what occurred to create reasonable doubt.

How can I challenge a police lineup or show-up identification?

Your attorney can file motions to suppress identification evidence by demonstrating unfair lineup procedures—such as suggestive conduct by officers, improper witness instructions, or lack of counsel presence—which may lead a judge to exclude it.

What happens at my first court appearance for armed robbery?

At arraignment, you’ll hear the charges, be advised of rights, and enter a plea (typically “not guilty”). The judge sets bail or release conditions. Your lawyer will request discovery, review evidence, and plan pretrial motions.

Can I get bail if charged with armed robbery?

Bail is discretionary for Class 2 felonies. The court considers flight risk and public safety. An experienced lawyer can argue for release on reasonable conditions—such as electronic monitoring—rather than pretrial detention.

How long does an armed robbery case take to resolve?

Complex felony cases often take 12–18 months, including investigation, discovery, pretrial motions, and either plea negotiation or trial. Delays can arise from mental competency hearings or expert analyses.

What is restitution and how does it apply?

Restitution requires you to compensate the victim for financial losses—such as stolen or damaged property, medical bills, and counseling costs. Judges set restitution amounts at sentencing based on documented victim expenses.

Can I appeal an armed robbery conviction?

Yes. You have the right to appeal on grounds like legal errors, improper jury instructions, or insufficient evidence. Appeals must be filed within 14 days of sentencing, and an appellate attorney can advocate before the Arizona Court of Appeals.

What are the collateral consequences of an armed robbery conviction?

Beyond prison, you lose voting rights while incarcerated, face employment and housing challenges, and may be ineligible for certain professional licenses. Records of felony convictions are difficult to seal or expunge in Arizona.

How do I choose the best Glendale armed robbery defense lawyer?

Choose an attorney with extensive felony trial experience in Maricopa County, a track record of securing reduced charges or acquittals, and strong client reviews. Personalized attention and aggressive advocacy are critical for your defense.

Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer in Glendale

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime as serious as armed robbery, it is crucial that you take your defense strategy as seriously as the prosecutor will take in convicting you.

Despite the fact that the district attorney handling your case is required to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to obtain a conviction, we often find that the accused are rarely if ever presumed innocent. For that reason, we must be ready to introduce reasonable doubt if we hope to avoid the devastating fallout of a guilty verdict.

Working with a skilled and knowledgeable Glendale armed robbery defense lawyer may be your best option, whether you are a first-time offender or someone with a criminal history. With decades of legal experience and availability 24/7, you can rely on a top-rated Glendale theft crime lawyer with Suzuki Law Offices to present the most powerful case possible based on your specific circumstances.

When you are ready to take charge of your defense strategy, do not hesitate to contact our legal team to request a confidential consultation.

Armed Robbery Charges in Glendale, AZ

You can face armed robbery charges if you are accused of using or threatening to use a dangerous instrument or deadly weapon to rob someone. Under ARS §13-1904, armed robbery is generally tried as a Class 2 felony. Some examples of dangerous instruments or weapons that a Glendale criminal defense lawyer can help you with could include:

Firearms
Baseball bats
Knives
Tire iron
Batons
BB gun
Vehicles
Unloaded guns
Glass bottles

What Happens if You Are Convicted of an Armed Robbery Offense in Glendale

Your Glendale armed robbery defense attorney will ensure you understand the severity of the charges against you. Since armed robbery is one of the most serious criminal offenses and is classified as a class two felony, the consequences of a conviction are severe. You could spend up to 12.5 years in an Arizona state prison facility, or as much as 21 years in prison if your armed robbery offense is designated a dangerous offense under ARS §13-105.

Glendale Armed Robbery Defense FAQ

There are multiple criminal offenses related to armed robbery that you could be charged with along with your armed robbery offense. This is called charge stacking, and it could dramatically increase the penalties you face. Some of the most common types of stacked criminal charges surrounding armed robbery include:

Aggravated assault under ARS §13–1204
Second-degree burglary per ARS §13–1507
Theft under ARS §13-1802

Is There a Statute of Limitations for a Robbery Charge?

The prosecutor does not have an unlimited amount of time to file armed robbery charges in Arizona. If you are charged with armed robbery, which is a class two felony, the prosecutor will have up to seven years from the incident date to file formal criminal charges, according to ARS §13-107.

If charges are not filed by this date, a Glendale armed robbery defense lawyer should be able to get the charges against you dismissed when we challenge them during pre-trial motions.

What Is the Burden of Proof in Armed Robbery Cases?

As with all criminal cases, the burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt, according to the Arizona Judicial Branch. The burden of proof should be on the district attorney handling your case to prove that you committed an armed robbery beyond a reasonable doubt.

However, with the criminal justice system being as flawed as it is, it may feel as though it is up to you to prove your innocence or resign yourself to a plea deal your criminal defense lawyer negotiates.

It is always better to be proactive with your criminal defense as opposed to reacting to the district attorney’s moves. You can rely on your armed robbery defense attorney in Glendale with Suzuki Law Offices to intensely investigate and gather the evidence we need to introduce reasonable doubt in the jury members and judge presiding over your case.

If the jury has reasonable doubt about your guilt, they are legally required to find you not guilty, according to the Arizona Judicial Courts.

Will I Be Released on Bail?

If you are accused of committing armed robbery, you could be released on bail if the judge determines that you are not a threat to the community or a flight risk. The judge needs to know that you will appear on your next court date for them to feel comfortable releasing you on bail.

However, it is also important to remember that armed robbery is a serious violent crime, so even if the judge is willing to release you on bail, expect your bond to be high.

Can I Get an Armed Robbery Conviction Expunged in Glendale?

You may be able to get an armed robbery conviction expunged from your record under ARS §13-911, the state’s first expungement statute. Once you have completed the terms and conditions of your sentence, you may be eligible for expungement once the waiting period has passed.

For a class two felony conviction such as armed robbery, you would need to wait 10 years from the date you completed your sentence to be eligible for record expungement.

During the waiting period, you must not be charged with or convicted of another criminal offense to qualify for expunction. You may also be eligible for expungement if you were charged with armed robbery, but the charges against you were dismissed or you were found not guilty. If you were simply arrested for armed robbery but never formally charged, this can also be expunged from your record.

Trust in a Reputable Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer in Glendale

Trusting anyone with your future can make you feel weary, which is why you need to hire a Glendale armed robbery defense attorney who exudes confidence and helps you feel empowered to challenge the criminal charges against you. Suzuki Law Offices is here to help you assert and protect your rights. Whether you are guilty or innocent of the allegations against you, there is no denying that you have the right to defend yourself.

After reviewing the state case against you and conducting our own comprehensive investigation, we will have a better idea of how to best approach your defense strategy.

In some cases, this might include accepting a plea bargain or entering a pre-trial diversion program. Find out what your future defense holds when you contact a dedicated Glendale violent crimes lawyer by phone or through our secured contact form to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Call or text (602) 682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

Glendale Armed Robbery Defense Lawyer