Robbery Defense Attorneys Serving Frisco

When you face robbery charges in Frisco, Texas, your freedom, reputation, and future hang in the balance. Robbery accusations carry severe penalties under Texas law. These include lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. At My Dallas Criminal Lawyer, our skilled Frisco robbery defense attorneys understand the gravity of these charges. We provide aggressive representation to protect your rights throughout Collin County.

Our founding attorney, Justin Wilson, brings valuable knowledge to robbery defense cases through his background as a former prosecutor. This prosecutorial experience, combined with his recognition as a Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers for three consecutive years (2021-2023), positions our firm to build powerful defense strategies. We challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn.

Located conveniently at 5 Cowboys Way STE 300 in Frisco, we serve clients throughout Collin County, Denton County, and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our team understands the local court systems, prosecutors, and judges. This gives us valuable advantages in defending your case.

Understanding Robbery Charges in Texas

Under Texas Penal Code Section 29.02, robbery occurs when a person commits theft while intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person. Additionally, it includes intentionally or knowingly threatening or placing another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death. This definition distinguishes robbery from simple theft by the element of force or threat of force.

The prosecution must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a robbery conviction:

• Intent to appropriate property: The defendant intended to deprive the owner of their property
• Use of force or threat: Physical force was used or threatened during the commission of theft
• Timing: The force or threat occurred during the course of committing theft
• Knowledge or intent: The defendant acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly

Common robbery scenarios in Frisco include convenience store robberies, street muggings, carjackings, and home invasion robberies. Each situation presents different challenges and defense opportunities. Our attorneys can identify and use these opportunities to your advantage.

The key difference between theft and robbery lies in the use or threat of force. While theft involves taking someone’s property without permission, robbery elevates the offense by adding the element of violence or intimidation. This distinction significantly impacts the potential penalties and defense strategies available.

Types of Robbery Charges We Defend

Simple Robbery (Second-Degree Felony)

Simple robbery under Texas law constitutes a second-degree felony. This carries serious consequences for those convicted. The basic elements include committing theft while using or threatening force against another person. Even without weapons or serious injuries, simple robbery charges can result in significant prison time.

Penalties for second-degree felony robbery include imprisonment for 2 to 20 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000. Additionally, convicted individuals face long-term consequences. These include difficulty finding employment, housing challenges, loss of voting rights, and restrictions on firearm ownership.

Our defense team thoroughly investigates every aspect of simple robbery cases. We examine witness statements, surveillance footage, physical evidence, and police procedures. Furthermore, we look for inconsistencies, constitutional violations, and alternative explanations. These can create reasonable doubt or lead to reduced charges.

Aggravated Robbery (First-Degree Felony)

Aggravated robbery represents the most serious form of robbery charges under Texas law. This first-degree felony occurs when robbery involves the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon. It also applies when the crime causes serious bodily injury to the victim or involves injury to an elderly or disabled person.

The penalties for aggravated robbery are severe. They range from 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment in state prison. These enhanced penalties reflect the legislature’s recognition of the increased danger and harm associated with weapon use or serious injuries during robbery offenses.

Deadly weapons in aggravated robbery cases include firearms, knives, clubs, or any object capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. Even displaying what appears to be a weapon can elevate charges to aggravated robbery. This applies regardless of whether the weapon was real or functional.

Our attorneys have successfully defended aggravated robbery cases. This includes a recent case where we secured a directed verdict on aggravated robbery charges. The client, originally facing 25 years to life in prison, was ultimately convicted only of misdemeanor theft and sentenced to time served.

Penalties and Consequences of Robbery Convictions in Frisco

Robbery convictions in Texas carry both immediate and long-term consequences. These extend far beyond prison sentences and fines. Understanding these potential outcomes helps illustrate why aggressive defense representation is important from the moment charges are filed.

Immediate Criminal Penalties:

• Second-degree felony robbery: 2-20 years prison, up to $10,000 fine
• First-degree felony aggravated robbery: 5-99 years or life imprisonment
• Restitution payments to victims for losses and damages
• Court costs, probation fees, and other administrative expenses

Employment and Professional Consequences:

Felony robbery convictions create significant barriers to employment across numerous industries. Many employers conduct background checks and automatically disqualify applicants with violent felony convictions. Professional licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, finance, and law may be suspended or revoked following robbery convictions.

Housing and Educational Impact:

Landlords frequently reject rental applications from individuals with violent crime convictions. Public housing assistance may be denied or terminated. Educational institutions may restrict admission or participation in certain programs based on criminal history.

Civil Rights Restrictions:

Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights, jury service eligibility, and the right to possess firearms. These restrictions can be permanent in some cases. They fundamentally alter your civic participation and constitutional rights.

The collateral consequences of robbery convictions often prove more devastating than the immediate criminal penalties. Our attorneys work diligently to avoid convictions or minimize charges to protect your future opportunities and rights.

Why Choose My Dallas Criminal Lawyer for Your Frisco Robbery Case

Our firm brings distinct advantages to robbery defense cases through our combination of prosecutorial experience, local knowledge, and proven track record of successful outcomes. These factors distinguish us from other criminal defense attorneys in the Frisco area.

Founding attorney Justin Wilson’s background as a prosecutor provides valuable insight into how the state builds robbery cases. This experience allows us to anticipate prosecution strategies, identify weaknesses in their case, and develop more effective defense approaches.

Additionally, our recent case results demonstrate our ability to achieve favorable outcomes in serious violent crime cases. Notable results include:

• Aggravated robbery case: Directed verdict on felony charges, client convicted only of misdemeanor theft with time served
• Multiple assault cases dismissed through effective investigation and negotiation
• Successful challenges to evidence in violent crime prosecutions

Every robbery case presents different circumstances requiring tailored defense approaches. We develop individualized strategies based on the specific facts, evidence, and legal issues in each case. We don’t apply generic defense templates.

Our attorneys maintain regular communication with clients throughout the process. This helps you understand your options and participate in important decisions about your defense strategy.

The Criminal Defense Process in Collin County

Understanding the criminal justice process in Collin County helps prepare you for what lies ahead. It also demonstrates why early legal representation is important for protecting your rights and building an effective defense.

Initial Arrest and Booking:

Following arrest on robbery charges, you will be transported to the Collin County Jail for booking and processing. During this stage, police may attempt to question you about the alleged offense. Exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately.

The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and initial paperwork. Bail may be set according to standard schedules or require a hearing before a magistrate judge. This depends on the specific charges and circumstances.

Grand Jury Proceedings:

Felony robbery charges in Texas require grand jury indictment before prosecution can proceed. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutors and determines whether probable cause exists to believe you committed the alleged offense.

Grand jury proceedings occur without defense participation. However, skilled attorneys can sometimes influence the process by presenting exculpatory evidence or legal arguments to prosecutors before the grand jury meets.

Pre-trial Motions and Negotiations:

The pre-trial phase provides important opportunities to challenge evidence, suppress illegally obtained statements or physical evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative dispositions.

Common pre-trial motions in robbery cases include motions to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches, motions to exclude unreliable witness identifications, and motions to dismiss charges based on insufficient evidence or constitutional violations.

Trial Preparation and Representation:

When cases proceed to trial, thorough preparation becomes necessary for achieving favorable outcomes. Our attorneys prepare witnesses, develop compelling opening statements and closing arguments, and anticipate prosecution strategies.

We work closely with clients to prepare them for potential testimony while helping them understand their right not to testify. Trial preparation also includes jury selection strategies designed to identify jurors most likely to fairly evaluate the evidence and defense arguments.

Frisco Robbery Charges: Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Our Frisco Robbery Defense Team Today

Time is critical when facing robbery charges in Frisco or anywhere in Collin County. Early intervention by skilled criminal defense attorneys can significantly impact the outcome of your case. We protect your constitutional rights throughout the process.

We offer free consultations to discuss your robbery charges, explain your legal options, and answer your questions about the defense process. During this consultation, we will review the facts of your case, identify potential defense strategies, and explain how we can help protect your rights and freedom.

Our consultations are confidential and carry no obligation to hire our firm. We believe you deserve to understand your situation and options before making important decisions about your legal representation.

Don’t face robbery charges alone. The skilled attorneys at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to fight for your rights and freedom. Contact us today at 214-949-4117 to schedule your free consultation and begin building your defense.