Robbery Defence Solicitors & Criminal Lawyers for Robbery Offences

Our Robbery Solicitors can help you if you are suspected or accused of robbery. You may find yourself facing serious consequences, including severe penalties.  Not only can you find yourself facing a lengthy custodial sentence, but a conviction can also have serious implications for your future, making it harder to find employment and housing and potentially impacting your personal relationships.

These charges can include opportunistic street-level theft such as a mugging and/or a “smash and grab”, meticulously planned heists where security vans are targeted, or an armed robbery at a person’s home or business property.

Regardless of the type of crime alleged or the level of seriousness, our Robbery Solicitors possess the skills to offer you the best possible advice and help you make the right decisions to safeguard your rights and  liberty.

If you are facing an allegation of robbery, Clifford Johnston & Co can help.

We have an experienced team of serious crime defence solicitors who understand the impact that a conviction for robbery may have on your life. We can offer immediate legal advice and representation. We have extensive experience of assisting clients facing serious allegations and we will ensure that you receive the best possible guidance and representation.

Our considerable expertise in criminal defence has seen us shortlisted as finalists for Crime Team of the year at the Manchester Legal Awards in both 2019 and 2020.

What is a robbery offence?

Robbery is what is known as an indictable only offence which means that it can only be dealt with in the Crown Court.

The definition of robbery in UK law is as follows:

“A person is guilty of robbery if he steals, and immediately before or at the time of doing so, and in order to do so, he uses force on any person or puts or seeks to put any person in fear of being then and there subjected to force.” (Theft Act 1968, section 8 (1))

It is essentially theft, but it also involves violence, or the threat of the use of violence.

What are the different types of robbery?

The sentencing guidelines council sets out 3 different ways in which a robbery can be committed and produces a separate guideline in relation to each.

1. Street and less sophisticated commercial robbery: these are committed in a public place, or targeting commercial premises with limited or no planning. It may also cover theft or targeting of commercial goods and money. Sentences range between community orders and 12 years’ custody, but may go up to life imprisonment for particularly severe cases.
2. Professionally planned commercial robbery: they involve clear and extensive planning and organisation. These offences carry a minimum sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment, and life imprisonment may be considered for aggravated cases.
3. Dwelling robbery: refers to robbery committed within residential buildings. Sentences may range from 1 to 16 years’ custody, and up to life imprisonment. It can often be charged as aggravated burglary depending on the circumstances of the offence.

If you are unsure as to which category your case falls under, our Robbery Solicitors will be able to guide and assist you.

What are the penalties for committing robbery?

If you are convicted of robbery, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. However, when sentencing a defendant for robbery, the Court must take into account the sentencing guidelines including any aggravating and/or mitigating factors. The Court will consider:

• whether this is your first offence;
• any previous convictions;
• whether you were in any way coerced into taking part in the robbery;
• the nature and value of the robbery;
• whether there was a discriminatory element to the robbery (for example where a victim was deliberately targeted because of their religion, sexuality or other protected characteristic);
• whether the robbery was professionally planned or less sophisticated (such as a mugging or street robbery);
• whether a weapon such as a firearm was used.
• the impact on the victim and the extent of any physical or psychological damage caused to them as a result of the robbery;
• whether steps were taken to prevent the victim from reporting the crime;
• whether the robbery was prolonged or involved restraint of the victim;
• any remorse shown;
• whether you pleaded guilty and, if so, at which stage in the proceedings.

If a weapon was used, whether it was real or an imitation, you may face an additional firearms offence contrary to the Firearms Act 1968.

The  guidelines assess culpability and the harm caused. Once the Court has determined the answer to both areas, it will determine what category you fall to be sentenced under.

If you have been charged with robbery, it is crucial that you seek immediate legal advice because, if found guilty, you will most likely be facing a sentence of imprisonment, unless there are exceptional circumstances – so excellent representation and a well-prepared case is vital.

We can advise as to your prospects of success, the strength of the evidence and possible defences.  In addition, we can set out the steps that you may need to take to achieve the  best possible outcome.

How do Robbery Solicitors build a defence?

With any criminal robbery or theft defence, having the support of expert legal counsel can truly make the difference in the outcome. There are a number of ways our Robbery Solicitors can secure a lighter sentence, or no further action at all.

Firstly, the offence of robbery relies on the use, or threat, of vioence against the victim, in order to steal from them. If the other party fails to prove either of these facts, their case will be considerably weaker.

Furthermore, even if it can be proven that theft or attempted theft has occurred, the accused may benefit from a lighter sentence if it can be proven that the offence fell under the definition of theft or burglary rather than robbery. These carry much lighter sentences, and it may be beneficial for someone accused of robbery to plead guilty to a lesser offence to obtain a shorter custodial sentence, or none at all.

An experienced robbery lawyer may also be able to prove you had limited culpability in the offence, such as playing a minor role under instruction of others, or where coerced into committing the crime.

Our Robbery Solicitors ensure you have professionals with decades of experience by your side. Choose Clifford Johnston & Co.’s solicitors, and build a strong defence for an accusation of robbery.

How Clifford Johnston & Co. can help

Seeking early representation is  key if you are facing robbery charges; building a strong defence can depend on obtaining the right evidence at the right time and, therefore, the sooner we start working on your case, the better chance of a successful outcome.

If you dispute the allegations against you, we will ensure that we have access to relevant mobile phone records, fingerprint or forensic evidence, and any other evidence that might help to defend your position. If you intend to plead guilty, or it looks as though a conviction is the most likely outcome, we will advise you accordingly, ensuring that you fully understand your legal position and that you receive the fairest possible outcome.

At Clifford Johnston & Co, our criminal defence team are highly skilled and experienced in this area of the law.  We have a well-earned reputation for being proactive and tenacious in negotiations. We will fight for what is best for you.

We are fully conversant with changes to the law which enables us to ensure that the advice you are given is current and clear. Our expert representation, from the initial police interview through to court proceedings, can really make a difference to the outcome of your case, and your prospects for the future.

If you, or someone you know, are facing robbery charges, Clifford Johnston & Co. is available 24 hours a day to ensure that you can access the expert legal advice and representation that you need. We support clients from the police station all the way to the magistrates court or Crown court.

We offer a free initial consultation in complete confidence.

We are rated Excellent (Category 1) by the Peer Review Team of the Legal Aid Agency, and are widely acknowledged for our client focussed expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail. We have been representing clients in criminal cases in England, Wales, and across the UK for many years, with outstanding results.

Accessible Legal Defence for Robbery Offences

At Clifford Johnston & Co., we’re committed to removing financial barriers from accessing quality legal support. Whether you opt for publicly funded or privately funded criminal defence, we’re here to provide exceptional assistance.

You might be eligible for legal aid, and our team is ready to help you assess your eligibility and navigate the application process, allowing you to focus on building a robust defence for allegations of robbery.

Contact a Robbery Defence Lawyer Today

We are proud to offer expert criminal law services nationally which are affordable and cost-effective.

By choosing to work with us, you will have an exceptional team fighting your corner.

Our Robbery Defence Solicitors have an exceptional level of expertise and are an integral department within our law firm of Criminal Solicitors in Manchester

Talk to Clifford Johnston & Co. today.