Aggravated Robbery Defense Attorneys Serving Frisco

When you face aggravated robbery charges in Frisco, Texas, your freedom and future hang in the balance. These serious felony charges carry severe penalties, including decades in prison and substantial fines. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the gravity of your situation. We fight tirelessly to protect your rights throughout Collin County and Denton County.

Our founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings valuable experience to aggravated robbery cases through his background as a former prosecutor. This prosecutorial experience, combined with our proven track record of successful case outcomes, positions us to build the strongest possible defense for your case. We have secured favorable results in complex violent crime cases. Additionally, we obtained a directed verdict on a first-degree felony charge enhanced to 25 years to life in a recent aggravated robbery case. The jury ultimately convicted only on misdemeanor theft and sentenced our client to time served.

If you or a loved one faces aggravated robbery charges in Frisco, contact us immediately at 214-949-4117 for a free consultation. Time is critical in building your defense. Furthermore, our team is available 24/7 to begin protecting your rights.

Understanding Aggravated Robbery Charges in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code Section 29.03, aggravated robbery occurs when a person commits robbery and uses or exhibits a deadly weapon, causes serious bodily injury to another, or causes bodily injury to or threatens a person who is 65 years of age or older or disabled. This charge represents one of the most serious violent crimes in Texas law.

The prosecution must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure an aggravated robbery conviction. First, they must establish that you committed robbery by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another while committing theft. They can also prove this by showing you intentionally or knowingly threatened or placed another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death while committing theft. Second, they must prove one of the aggravating factors that elevates the charge from simple robbery.

Aggravated robbery differs significantly from simple robbery in both the elements required for conviction and the potential penalties. While robbery involves the use of force or threat of force during the commission of theft, aggravated robbery requires the additional element of a deadly weapon, serious bodily injury, or injury to an elderly or disabled victim. This distinction transforms what might be a second-degree felony into a first-degree felony with far more severe consequences.

The circumstances that elevate robbery to aggravated robbery include using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the offense, causing serious bodily injury to any person, or causing any bodily injury or threatening any person who is 65 years of age or older or disabled. Texas law defines “deadly weapon” broadly to include not only firearms and knives but also any object capable of causing death or serious bodily injury in the manner of its use.

Penalties for Aggravated Robbery in Frisco

Aggravated robbery carries classification as a first-degree felony under Texas law. This makes it one of the most severely punished crimes in the state. If convicted, you face a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment. The court may also impose fines up to $10,000. However, the financial penalty often pales in comparison to the potential loss of freedom.

The actual sentence you receive depends on various factors. These include your criminal history, the specific circumstances of the alleged offense, and the presence of any enhancement factors. Texas operates under a range punishment system. This means the judge or jury has discretion within the statutory range when determining your sentence. However, certain factors can limit this discretion or require minimum sentences.

If you have prior felony convictions, the penalties become even more severe through habitual offender enhancements under Texas Penal Code Section 12.42. The enhancement penalties vary depending on your current offense level and prior conviction history. For aggravated robbery (a first-degree felony) with one prior first-degree felony conviction, the minimum sentence increases to 15 years to life imprisonment. Two or more prior felony convictions can result in a minimum sentence of 25 years to life imprisonment. These enhancements underscore the importance of mounting an aggressive defense to avoid conviction.

Beyond the immediate criminal penalties, an aggravated robbery conviction creates long-term consequences that affect virtually every aspect of your life. You will face significant challenges in finding employment, securing housing, obtaining professional licenses, and maintaining relationships. The conviction remains on your criminal record permanently. This affects background checks for decades to come. Additionally, you temporarily lose certain civil rights during sentence completion, including the right to vote. Your voting rights return automatically upon completing your full sentence including any parole or probation. You must re-register to vote after your rights return. You also lose the right to serve on a jury and possess firearms.

The impact extends to your family and loved ones. They may suffer financial hardship during your incarceration and social stigma associated with your conviction. These collateral consequences often prove as devastating as the direct criminal penalties. This makes it important to fight these charges with experienced legal representation.

Common Defenses Against Aggravated Robbery Charges

A strong defense against aggravated robbery requires analyzing the prosecution’s case to build a tailored strategy. Key defenses include:

• Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove you intended to permanently steal the property. This defense applies if you only meant to borrow the item, had permission to take it, or believed you had a right to it.
• Self-Defense: Texas law allows you to use force to protect yourself or others from what you reasonably believe is an imminent threat of death, serious injury, or certain felonies. If your actions were justified, this can be a powerful defense.
• Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness testimony is often unreliable, especially in chaotic situations with poor lighting or high stress. We challenge questionable identification procedures and highlight factors that could lead to misidentification.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A defense can succeed by pointing out gaps, inconsistencies, or weaknesses in the evidence that create reasonable doubt.
• Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement violated your rights through an illegal search, improper interrogation, or denial of a lawyer, any illegally obtained evidence may be suppressed. Suppressing key evidence often weakens the prosecution’s case and can lead to a dismissal of charges.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Your Frisco Case

Our firm brings advantages to aggravated robbery defense through our attorneys’ experience, proven track record, and commitment to client service. Justin Wilson, our founding attorney, served as a prosecutor before dedicating his practice to criminal defense. This prosecutorial background provides valuable insight into how the state builds its cases and the strategies most likely to succeed in defending against serious charges.

Justin Wilson’s credentials include recognition as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), membership in the Texas Bar College, and recognition as one of the “Best DUI Lawyers in Frisco” by Expertise.com in 2020.

Our proven track record with violent crime cases demonstrates our ability to achieve favorable outcomes in the most challenging circumstances. In addition to our recent aggravated robbery success, we have secured dismissals, acquittals, and favorable plea agreements in numerous violent crime cases. Our case results include dismissals of assault causing bodily injury charges, successful defenses against domestic violence allegations, and acquittals in cases where the prosecution seemed to have strong evidence.

The Criminal Defense Process in Collin County

Understanding the criminal defense process helps you prepare for what lies ahead and make informed decisions about your case. The process begins with your arrest and booking. During this time, law enforcement processes you into the system and formally documents the charges against you. This initial stage is critical because anything you say can be used against you later. This makes it important to exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.

The arraignment represents your first court appearance. The judge formally reads the charges against you and asks how you plead. At this hearing, the court also addresses bail and sets conditions for your release if bail is granted. Given the serious nature of aggravated robbery charges, bail amounts are typically substantial. The court may impose strict conditions on your release. We work diligently to secure reasonable bail terms that allow you to remain free while fighting your case.

Pre-trial motions and discovery form the foundation of your defense strategy. During this phase, we file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge the sufficiency of the charges, and seek dismissal where appropriate. We also engage in the discovery process. This involves obtaining all evidence the prosecution intends to use against you and conducting our own investigation to uncover evidence supporting your defense.

Plea negotiations occur throughout the pre-trial process as we work to resolve your case favorably without the risks associated with trial. Our prosecutorial experience provides valuable insight into when plea negotiations are appropriate and what terms represent fair resolutions. However, we never pressure clients to accept plea agreements. We always prepare thoroughly for trial to work from a position of strength during negotiations.

Grand jury proceedings may occur in felony cases. A group of 12 citizens determines whether sufficient evidence exists to formally indict you. Nine of the 12 grand jurors must vote to indict for a “true bill.” Fewer than nine votes results in a “no bill” that effectively dismisses the charges. While you typically do not appear before the grand jury, we may present evidence or legal arguments to the prosecutor in an effort to prevent indictment. If the grand jury returns a “no bill,” the charges are dismissed.

Trial preparation and jury selection represent the culmination of our defense efforts if your case proceeds to trial. We meticulously prepare every aspect of your defense, from opening statements through closing arguments. Jury selection proves particularly important in aggravated robbery cases. We work to identify jurors who can fairly evaluate the evidence and apply the presumption of innocence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aggravated Robbery in Texas

Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer Today

If you face aggravated robbery charges in Frisco, Texas, do not wait to seek experienced legal representation. The stakes are too high, and the consequences too severe, to handle this process alone. Our team at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer brings the experience, knowledge, and dedication necessary to fight for your rights and your future.

Call us today at 214-949-4117 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case and begin building your defense immediately. Time is critical in criminal cases. Early intervention often makes the difference between conviction and dismissal, between prison and freedom.

Our offices in Dallas and Frisco provide convenient access throughout Collin County, Denton County, and the surrounding areas. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments when necessary, to accommodate your needs during this difficult time.

Remember, an arrest is not a conviction. Charges can be fought successfully with the right legal representation. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today and let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.