Minnesota Armed Robbery Defense Lawyers

Facing robbery charges in Minnesota is a serious matter that requires immediate and skilled legal help. At Capitol City Law Group, we understand the seriousness of these charges and are dedicated to providing support and legal defense tailored to your situation. 

For those needing immediate help, contact the Minnesota robbery attorneys at Capitol City Law Group at 651-877-6784 for a free consultation. Our team is here to provide compassionate guidance and the support you need, we understand the emotional toll these situations can take, and we’re committed to standing by your side every step of the way.

Understanding Armed Robbery Charges in Minnesota

Robbery in Minnesota involves taking someone’s property using or threatening force. When a dangerous weapon is involved or there’s a threat of bodily harm, it becomes armed robbery. This includes crimes like armed bank robbery, carjacking, or stealing while threatening a store clerk. The severity of the methods used, rather than the value of the property taken, heavily influences the charges. Factors like the specifics of the crime significantly determine the degree of robbery charges.

First-Degree Aggravated Robbery

First-degree aggravated robbery is the most serious form of robbery charges in Minnesota. This charge occurs when the person is armed with a dangerous weapon or causes bodily harm during the robbery. It involves using a weapon or any object made to look like a dangerous weapon. For example, if an individual uses a replica gun to threaten a store clerk while stealing money, it can be considered first-degree aggravated robbery. First-degree aggravated robbery carries severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison or a fine of $35,000.

Second-Degree Aggravated Robbery

Second-degree aggravated robbery involves the suggestion of possessing a dangerous weapon during the crime. This type of robbery includes threats of violence and suggests that a dangerous weapon might be used. For example, if an individual implies they have a weapon in their pocket while demanding money from a cashier, this scenario could be classified as second-degree aggravated robbery. Second-degree aggravated robbery can lead to up to 15 years in prison or a fine of $30,000.

Please be aware that legal regulations including potential fine amounts or imprisonment lengths may change over time. For the most current and accurate information, consult your attorney from Capitol City Law Group to ensure accuracy in your specific situation.

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in Armed Robbery Cases

When facing armed robbery charges, understanding the factors that can increase or decrease the severity of the charges and penalties is important.

Aggravating Factors

Certain circumstances can make armed robbery charges more serious, potentially leading to harsher penalties. These include:

• Use of a Dangerous Weapon: If the crime involved a dangerous weapon, such as a firearm or knife, it could elevate the charges to first-degree aggravated robbery, resulting in more severe consequences.
• Infliction of Bodily Harm: Causing bodily harm to a victim during the robbery can lead to increased penalties, as it shows a higher level of violence and threat.
• Prior Criminal Record: A history of felony convictions can impact the current case, leading to tougher sentencing as it suggests a pattern of criminal behavior.
• Targeting Vulnerable Victims: If the victim is considered vulnerable, such as an elderly person or a child, this can be an aggravating factor that influences the court’s decision.

Mitigating Factors

Conversely, certain factors can reduce the severity of charges or penalties in armed robbery cases:

• Lack of Prior Offenses: A clean criminal record or being a first-time offender can work in the defendant’s favor, potentially leading to reduced sentences or alternative sentencing options.
• Cooperation with Law Enforcement: Demonstrating cooperation with authorities by providing information or aiding in the investigation may result in leniency from the court.
• No Use of a Weapon: If the robbery did not involve a dangerous weapon, or if it can be proven that the weapon was not functional, it might lead to lesser charges.
• Demonstrated Remorse and Rehabilitation Efforts: Showing genuine remorse for the crime and taking steps towards rehabilitation, such as attending counseling or community service, can positively influence sentencing.

Defenses Against Robbery Charges

A solid understanding of the law and a strategic approach are important in defending against robbery charges. Common defenses involve proving a lack of intent or showing that the personal property did not belong to the victim. Strategies may include questioning the credibility of eyewitness testimony, the quality of security camera footage, and highlighting procedural mistakes.

Mistaken Identity

Mistaken identity is a strong defense in robbery cases, as witness misidentification can lead to wrongful accusations. Proving the accused’s absence from the crime scene, inconsistencies in witness accounts, or alibi witnesses can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Factors like poor visibility or stress can cause eyewitnesses to confuse the accused with someone else, and unclear video footage can support claims of mistaken identity.

Weaknesses in Evidence

The reliability of evidence is vital in robbery cases. Eyewitness testimony can be unreliable due to factors like stress and poor lighting. Low-quality or unclear surveillance footage can further weaken the prosecution’s case, leading jurors to question its validity.

Defense strategies typically include examining evidence for inconsistencies and using expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s claims.

Procedural Errors

Procedural mistakes, such as violations of the defendant’s rights during interrogations or breaches of due process, can significantly affect robbery cases. Improper search warrants can make evidence inadmissible, weakening the prosecution’s case.

Failing to adequately inform defendants of their rights, like the right to a lawyer or to remain silent, can make their statements inadmissible in court.

Clearing Your Record After a Robbery Conviction

If you’ve been convicted of robbery in Minnesota, it can have lasting effects on your life. However, there are ways to help reduce these impacts through options like clearing your record or appealing the conviction.

Clearing Your Record

Clearing your record, also known as expungement, is a process that can hide or remove a criminal record from public view. Although armed robbery is a serious crime, some individuals may qualify for expungement:

• Who Can Qualify: It’s tough to clear an armed robbery record due to the crime’s seriousness. Still, those who have shown significant efforts to improve, such as completing rehabilitation programs or keeping a clean record for a long time, might be eligible.
• Why Clear Your Record: Successfully clearing a conviction can make it easier to find jobs, housing, and educational opportunities by removing the hurdles of having a criminal record.

Appealing a Conviction

If you think there was a mistake during your trial or sentencing, you might consider appealing the conviction:

• Reasons to Appeal: You might appeal if there were errors in your trial, if your lawyer didn’t do a good job, or if there is new evidence that could change the case outcome.
• How to Appeal: The appeals process starts by filing a notice with the court that gave the original sentence. A knowledgeable Minnesota robbery defense lawyer can help you understand this process and build a strong case for review.

Capitol City Law Group’s Promise to Clients

At Capitol City Law Group, we are dedicated to providing strong representation in armed robbery cases. Our focus is on protecting your rights and keeping you informed about your options throughout the legal process.

Our Method of Defense

We carefully examine each case to create defense plans that meet your needs. We perform detailed case reviews to find the best defense strategies and tailor plans for your specific criminal case at our law firm. By recognizing your unique situation, we develop specific strategies to offer strong legal support across different court levels. Helping you secure pretrial release is a priority to maintain family stability and reduce the stress of being in jail.

Contact Us for Experienced Robbery Defense

If you or someone you know is facing armed robbery charges in Minnesota, don’t delay seeking the legal help you need. Capitol City Law Group is ready to defend your rights and aim for the best possible outcome for your case. 

Call our Minneosta robbery lawyers today at 651-877-6784 for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.