Minneapolis Robbery Attorney

Robbery is a serious felony in Minnesota. In fact, Minnesota courts often take person crimes― such as robbery ― more seriously than other offenses because they pose a significant risk to public safety and the crimes have a readily identifiable victim.

Being accused of a robbery is a frightening experience. A felony conviction can mean prison, a permanent record, and loss of voting and gun rights, not to mention a harsh fine.

No matter what level of robbery you've been charged with, you need an experienced Minneapolis robbery attorney to guide you through the criminal court system and protect you from the immense power that the government holds over you.

At Meshbesher & Associates, we understand the stress and anxiety you may be feeling, which is why we go to such great lengths to carefully explain your rights while simultaneously advocating on your behalf. Simply put, our criminal lawyers in Minnesota are here to help you stay out of jail and keep your record clean.

Contact our robbery lawyers in Minneapolis at Meshbesher & Associates, P.A. online or call (612) 200-1526 for a free consultation.

Armed Robbery vs Aggravated Robbery

Some states do not differentiate between both types of robbery. In most cases, armed robbery is committed when someone takes property involving the use of a weapon.

Aggravated robbery typically involves "aggravating" factors that increase the severity of the crime -- using a deadly weapon and/or immediate threat of force in order to gain compliance from a victim.

Understanding the Basics of Robbery-Related Offenses in Minnesota

Robbery has three different levels that are defined by two different Minnesota statutes.

These levels are:

• Simple robbery, which is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a $20,000 fine or both
• Aggravated robbery in the first degree, which is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a $35,000 fine, or both
• Aggravated robbery in the second degree, which is punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment, a $30,000 fine, or both

The level of your offense will depend on some key factors pertaining to the specifics of your charges.

Types of Robbery Charges in Minnesota

The differences between the levels of robbery are outlined below:

Simple Robbery

Simple robbery is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 609.24. The crime's key elements are using force, or threatening to use force, to obtain property from another person. Force can take many forms, including but not limited to a punch, kick, or shove.

Threatened force can also take many forms, such as a verbal threat or physical gesture meant to intimidate the property holder. There is no requirement that the property holder actually suffer any injury during the encounter.

Aggravated Robbery in the First Degree

Aggravated robbery in the first degree is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 609.245, Subdivision 1.

Specifically, this statute states that anyone who, while committing a robbery, is armed with a dangerous weapon or uses any other object that may lead the property holder to reasonably believe it to be a dangerous weapon, or inflicts bodily harm upon the property holder, and can be charged with aggravated robbery in the first degree.

As the definition suggests, courts can and have found a wide array of objects to satisfy the dangerous weapon element of the crime.

Some obvious dangerous weapons include:

• Knives
• Firearms
• And baseball bats

Some less-obvious dangerous weapons include:

• Two-by-fours
• Motor vehicles
• Or realistic-looking toy guns

Additionally, the bodily harm threshold is not difficult to meet. In fact, “body harm” is defined by as "physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition."

Aggravated Robbery in the Second Degree

Aggravated robbery in the second degree is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 609.245, Subdivision 2. This particular statute states that anyone who, while committing a robbery, implies he or she has possession of a dangerous weapon, can be charged with aggravated robbery in the second degree.

Implying one has a dangerous weapon can be done by word or act, and may be as simple as a person telling the property holder that he or she has a knife, or physically indicating that he or she is holding a firearm in his or her pocket. Like simple robbery, there is no requirement that the property holder actually suffer any injury during the encounter.

Depending on the facts of your particular case, there are many defenses to the offenses outlined above ― defenses that an experienced robbery defense lawyer in Minneapolis can help you consider. This is why it is so important to contact us as soon as possible.

Proven Results You Can Trust

The skilled criminal defense attorneys at Meshbesher & Associates have successfully defended numerous robbery cases. Whether it's a dismissal, a plea to a lesser charge, or a mitigated sentence, the attorneys at our firm can assist you in protecting yourself from the vast powers of the government.

Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Once you decide to retain Meshbesher & Associates after your free initial consultation, our team of experienced attorneys will begin working on your case immediately.

Schedule a free case evaluation today at (612) 200-1526 or via online form. Our Minneapolis robbery attorneys are ready to answer your questions.