Chicago Robbery Lawyers: What You Need to Know
If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery in Chicago, you‘re probably feeling overwhelmed and scared. Robbery is a serious crime that can result in hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. But don’t panic – the right criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in your case. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Chicago robbery lawyers and how they can help you navigate this difficult situation.
Understanding Robbery Charges in Illinois
First things first, let’s talk about what exactly constitutes robbery under Illinois law. Robbery is defined as taking property from another person by using force or threatening the imminent use of force1. This means that if you take someone‘s wallet or purse by physically overpowering them or threatening to harm them, you could be charged with robbery.There are also a couple of more serious variations of robbery charges in Illinois:
- Aggravated Robbery: This is when the robbery is committed with a weapon, like a gun or knife, or if the victim is physically handicapped or over 60 years old3.
- Armed Robbery: This charge applies when the perpetrator is armed with a dangerous weapon during the robbery3.
The potential penalties for robbery convictions in Illinois are no joke. A basic robbery charge is punishable by 3-7 years in prison, while aggravated robbery can get you 4-30 years as a Class 1 felony3. Armed robbery is the most serious, classified as a Class X felony with a mandatory sentence of 6-60 years3.
Why You Need a Skilled Robbery Defense Lawyer
Facing robbery charges is a very serious situation, and you shouldn’t try to handle it on your own. An experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney will know how to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and fight for the best possible outcome.There are many potential defense strategies that a good lawyer will consider, such as:
- Challenging the evidence and the police investigation, looking for things like overlooked exculpatory evidence or rights violations1
- Arguing that you didn’t intend to permanently deprive the victim of their property1
- Negotiating a plea deal to get the charges reduced1
The specific approach will depend on the unique facts of your case. That’s why it‘s crucial to find a robbery defense lawyer who will take the time to really dig into your situation and develop a tailored strategy.
How to Find the Right Chicago Robbery Lawyer for You
So how do you go about finding a Chicago robbery lawyer you can trust? Here are a few key things to look for:
- Specific experience with robbery cases. You want someone who has successfully handled plenty of cases like yours.
- A team-oriented approach. Some firms, like David S. Olshansky and Associates, have a whole team of attorneys who collaborate on each case2. This means you get multiple legal minds working for you.
- Personalized attention. Your lawyer should take the time to thoroughly discuss your case with you and keep you informed at every step.
- Honest advice. While you obviously want a lawyer who will fight hard for you, it’s also important that they give you realistic expectations about your case2.
- Accessibility. Can you get in touch with your lawyer when you need to? Look for a firm that’s available 24/7 to help1.
One way to start your search is by checking out online directories like Avvo or FindLaw where you can read reviews from past clients and see if the attorney has faced any disciplinary actions.You’ll also want to schedule consultations with a few different lawyers to get a feel for their personality and approach. Most criminal defense firms offer free initial consultations12. Come prepared with questions and be honest about your situation – remember, your conversations with a potential lawyer are protected by attorney-client privilege.
What to Expect from Your Robbery Case
Every robbery case is different, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect if you‘ve been charged:
- Investigation: Your lawyer and their team will start by thoroughly investigating the case, looking at police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence1. They’ll be searching for weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case and gathering evidence to support your defense.
- Pretrial Motions: Your attorney may file motions challenging the admissibility of certain evidence or arguing that your rights were violated in some way. If successful, these motions can significantly improve your position.
- Plea Bargaining: In many cases, your lawyer will engage in plea negotiations with the prosecutor, trying to get the charges or potential sentence reduced in exchange for a guilty plea1. Whether this is a good option depends on the strength of the evidence against you.
- Trial: If a plea deal can’t be reached or isn’t in your best interests, your case will proceed to trial. Your lawyer will present your defense, cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses, and make arguments to the jury.
- Sentencing: If you’re convicted, your lawyer will argue for the most lenient sentence possible under the circumstances. They may bring up mitigating factors or propose alternatives to incarceration.
Throughout this process, your lawyer should keep you informed and work closely with you to make decisions about your case. It‘s a stressful time, but a skilled and supportive attorney can make a world of difference.
Robbery Defenses: Real-Life Examples
To give you a better idea of how a robbery case might play out, let’s look at a couple of hypothetical scenarios:
Scenario 1: Mistaken Identity
John is arrested for allegedly robbing a convenience store at gunpoint. The police found him a few blocks away from the store shortly after the robbery, and he matched the general description given by the store clerk. However, John maintains his innocence and says he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.John’s lawyer might defend him by:
- Challenging the reliability of the clerk’s identification, especially if it was influenced by the police1
- Investigating whether there was any surveillance footage that could prove John wasn’t the robber
- Arguing that the police lacked probable cause to arrest John based solely on his proximity to the crime scene and vague resemblance to the suspect description
Scenario 2: Lack of Intent
Sarah admits to taking her ex-boyfriend’s expensive watch after a heated argument, but she insists she was only trying to get his attention and planned to give it back. When he called the police and reported it as a robbery, Sarah was arrested.In this case, Sarah’s attorney could argue that she lacked the intent to permanently deprive her ex of the watch, which is a necessary element of robbery1. While her actions might constitute theft, her lawyer could push for the robbery charge to be dismissed or reduced.These are just a couple of examples, but they illustrate how the right defense strategy can make a big difference in a robbery case. That’s why it’s so important to have a knowledgeable and creative criminal defense lawyer in your corner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery Charges
To wrap things up, let‘s address some common questions people have when facing robbery charges in Chicago:
What’s the difference between robbery and burglary?
Robbery involves taking property directly from a person using force or threats, while burglary is entering a building or vehicle intending to commit theft or a felony4. So if you break into someone’s home and steal their TV when they‘re not there, that’s burglary. If you mug someone on the street and take their wallet, that‘s robbery.
Can I get probation for a robbery conviction?
It depends on the specific charge. For armed robbery, probation is not an option under Illinois law – there’s a mandatory prison sentence of at least 6 years3. For aggravated robbery or basic robbery, probation may be a possibility depending on your criminal history and other factors. Your lawyer can advise you on what sentencing outcomes may be realistic in your case.
Will I have to pay restitution if I’m convicted of robbery?
In many cases, yes. Restitution to the victim is a common part of sentencing for robbery convictions3. The amount will depend on the value of the property taken and any other harm suffered by the victim.
What if the police violated my rights during the robbery investigation?
This can be a strong basis for defending against robbery charges. If the police conducted an illegal search, coerced a confession, or otherwise violated your constitutional rights, your lawyer may be able to get key evidence thrown out1. This can seriously weaken the prosecution‘s case against you.
How much does it cost to hire a robbery defense lawyer in Chicago?
Attorney’s fees can vary widely depending on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of your case. Some lawyers charge hourly (often $200-$500 or more per hour), while others may offer a flat fee for your entire case.
