Plano Robbery and Carjacking Defense Attorney

Experienced Lawyer for Violent Theft Crimes in Collin County and Tarrant County

Texas law defines robbery as the act of using force or the threat of force to take someone else's property, including their vehicle. Unlike other crimes involving theft, robbery is considered a violent crime. If you are convicted of robbery, you could be imprisoned for many years.

The dedicated legal professionals at The Crowder Law Firm P.C. know how to build a solid, aggressive defense against robbery charges. Attorney Darlina Crowder has successfully obtained more than 300 acquittals and not-guilty verdicts for her clients. With over 20 years of experience in the practice of criminal law, she and her team are ready to help you fight for your freedom.

Criminal Penalties for a Robbery Conviction

The crimes of robbery and burglary are sometimes confused. Burglary charges are generally brought against those accused of breaking and entering into or onto a property with the intent to commit theft, assault, or another felony. This means that violence or the threat of violence is not necessary to pursue burglary charges.

In order to convict a criminal defendant of robbery, however, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly or recklessly caused bodily injury to someone else during a theft. A defendant could also be charged with robbery if the prosecutor can prove that the defendant threatened the victim in such a way that he or she feared bodily injury or death during the theft. In Texas, robbery is often a second-degree felony offense punishable by two to 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Robbery charges may be elevated to aggravated robbery if the defendant used a deadly weapon during the theft. Aggravated robbery is sometimes called "armed robbery," but the defendant does not have to use a firearm in order to be charged with aggravated robbery. A defendant may also be charged with aggravated robbery if he or she threatened or injured a victim who was 65 years old or older or was physically, mentally or developmentally disabled. Aggravated robbery in Texas is a first-degree felony offense. It carries penalties of up to 99 years or life in prison.

Carjacking is Considered Robbery in Texas

The act of forcibly taking possession of a car from the owner or driver is commonly referred to as "carjacking." In Texas, carjacking is prosecuted as a type of robbery. This means that you face the same criminal penalties for forcibly taking a car from someone that you would for other forms of robbery.

To be considered carjacking, the act in question must involve the use of violence or the threat of violence. If no one is inside the vehicle at the time that it is stolen, the offense would likely not be considered carjacking and may instead be prosecuted under Texas theft law.

Federal Charges for Carjacking

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we understand that carjacking can sometimes be prosecuted as a federal offense. If you are accused of a carjacking in which the vehicle was taken to another state or across an international border, the case is likely to be handled in federal court. The penalties associated with a conviction on federal carjacking charges include up to 15 years in federal prison. If a death is caused in the process of committing the carjacking, federal prosecutors could seek a sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.

Call 214-544-0061 for a Free Consultation

A conviction for robbery on your criminal record will influence the rest of your life. You may lose your good standing in the community, your job, and your freedom. Contact our office to discuss your case and to learn how we can help you defend against robbery charges. Call 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation today. We serve clients in Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, Garland, Denton, Frisco, Tarrant County, Collin County, Grayson County, and the surrounding areas. Se habla Español.