Robbery Defense Lawyer in Arizona — Protecting Your Future with Skilled Representation
A robbery defense lawyer in Arizona must navigate complex statutes like ARS §13-1904 which defines robbery and its penalties. Oliverson Law offers experienced defense across Arizona to challenge charges, protect rights, and pursue the best possible legal outcome for robbery cases.
Arizona Robbery Law Overview & Penalties
Under Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-1904, robbery occurs when a person takes personal property from another by means of force or fear. This felony outlines various degrees and aggravating factors impacting sentencing. Arizona courts such as Maricopa County Superior Court and Pima County Superior Court frequently adjudicate these cases.
| Robbery Offense | Statute | Classification | Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | ARS §13-1904(A) | Class 3 Felony | 4-15.75 years imprisonment; fines up to $150,000; probation possible |
| Aggravated Robbery (armed, serious injury) | ARS §13-1904(B) | Class 2 Felony | 7-21 years imprisonment; higher fines; mandatory prison |
| Robbery involving a deadly weapon | ARS §13-1904(B)(4) | Class 2 Felony | 7-21 years imprisonment; sentencing enhancements apply |
| Repeat Offender Enhancements | ARS §13-703 and §13-706 | Higher sentencing ranges | Increased prison terms, potentially life sentences if violent history |
Robbery Charge Statistics in Arizona
Legal Process After Arrest for Robbery in Arizona
Arrest and Booking
After an arrest by agencies such as Phoenix PD or Tucson PD, the defendant is booked and fingerprinted. Initial charges based on ARS §13-1904 are filed by the prosecutor, often in the county where the alleged incident occurred, like Maricopa or Pima County.
Initial Appearance and Bail Hearing
The defendant appears before a magistrate court, such as Scottsdale City Court, within 24-48 hours. Bail is set according to Arizona rules and the offense severity. Robbery charges typically result in significant bail or pretrial detention.
Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury
The prosecution presents evidence to a judge or grand jury. Under ARS §13-1704, they must establish probable cause. If successful, felony robbery charges proceed to trial in superior court, e.g., Maricopa County Superior Court.
Plea Bargaining or Trial
Defense counsel negotiates with the prosecutor. Trials are held before judges or juries. Convictions can lead to sentences under ARS §§13-1904 and 13-703. Effective defense strategies during this phase are critical to reduce or dismiss charges.
Experienced representation is crucial when facing robbery allegations. Call (480) 582-3637 or request a free consultation to protect your rights.
Common Defense Strategies Against Robbery Charges in Arizona
It’s important to know that cases involving drug charges often carry additional penalties that can complicate robbery defenses in Arizona courts. Similarly, understanding expungement options after conviction may be critical for long-term relief. For those also affected by probation or parole issues, see our parole violation defense page.
Why Our Background Makes a Difference in Robbery Defense
Derek Oliverson founded Oliverson Law in 2009 after extensive experience in Arizona’s legal system. With a magna cum laude B.S. in Criminal Justice from Southern Utah University and a JD focused on litigation from Creighton University, Derek’s career includes serving as a police officer in Henderson, Nevada, prosecuting crimes for Mohave County Attorney’s Office, and adjudicating thousands of cases as a judge in Page Magistrate and Glendale City Courts.
This judicial experience, overseeing over 40,000 cases annually at the Glendale City Court, gives him unique insight into prosecution tactics and courtroom procedures across Arizona jurisdictions such as Maricopa, Pima, and Coconino counties.
David Tangren, also part of the Oliverson Law team, graduated from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and brought valuable experience from the Pima County Attorney’s Office where he handled a broad spectrum of misdemeanors through felony trials in the Property and Narcotics Bureau. This background enhances the firm’s ability to handle complex robbery cases involving additional charges.
Counties and Cities Served Across Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Under ARS §13-1904, robbery is a class 3 felony punishable by 4 to 15.75 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. Aggravated robbery, including use of a deadly weapon, is a class 2 felony with 7 to 21 years imprisonment. Repeat offenders face enhanced sentences under ARS §§13-703 and 13-706.
Per ARS §13-1904, robbery occurs when a person takes personal property from another by force or fear. The statute requires proof of both unlawful taking and the use or threat of physical force or intimidation.
After arrest, the defendant undergoes booking followed by an initial court appearance for bail setting. A preliminary hearing or grand jury determines if felony charges proceed. Cases then move to superior court where trials or plea negotiations take place, as per ARS §13-1704.
Yes, defense strategies can negotiate charge reductions to lesser offenses like theft under ARS §13-1804 depending on facts and evidence, which helps reduce potential penalties and sentencing.
Arizona court experience is vital to navigate specific local procedures and statutes (e.g., ARS §13-1904), anticipate prosecution approaches, and exploit procedural defenses. Oliverson Law’s Judge and Prosecutor background offers strategic advantages in Maricopa, Pima, and other county courts.
Protect your rights with Oliverson Law DUI & Criminal Defense. Call (480) 582-3637 or visit our contact page for a free consultation.