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Robbery

Theft offenses where another person sustained a bodily injury or was put in imminent fear of injury or death is known as robbery in the state of Texas. Unlike other theft crimes, robbery is a crime of violence that is aggressively prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office. The offense carries heavy penalties that could follow you for the rest of your life if you’re convicted.

Robbery is charged as a felony, and if certain aggravating factors existed then the penalties may be enhanced even more. If you’re convicted, you could be sentenced to time in jail or prison and be required to pay hefty fines. With such steep penalties, it’s incredibly imperative you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately if you’ve been charged with robbery.

Brownsville Robbery Defense Lawyer | Cameron County, Texas

Have you been arrested, or do you believe you may be under investigation for alleged robbery in Texas? If so, don’t say a word to law enforcement until you’ve contacted The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. The Cameron County criminal defense attorneys at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. defend clients of all types of violent crimes, including robbery and armed robbery.

Schedule your first consultation with the attorneys at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. by calling our office at 956-504-2211. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. accepts clients throughout the greater Cameron County and Willacy County area including Brownsville, Harlingen, Los Fresnos, Palm Valley, Port Isabel, Rio Hondo, San Benito, Lyford, Raymondville, and San Perlita.

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What is Robbery in Texas?

Most would consider robbery to be a type of theft, but technically it’s labeled as a violent crime under the Texas Penal Code. The offense involves using violence to steal money or property from another person. Robbery is defined under the Texas Penal Code Section 29.02, which states a person is guilty of the crime of robbery if they:

  • In the course of theft, the individual knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally:
    • Caused bodily injury to another person
    • Threatened or placed another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death

The phrase “in the course of committing theft” is defined under the Texas Penal Code Section 29.01 as conduct that occurs in an attempt to commit, during the commission, or in the immediate flight after the offense.

It’s important to remember the state of Texas doesn’t have to prove you stole anything. The theft doesn’t have to be completed to satisfy the elements of robbery. The victim of the theft or attempted theft and the victim of the robbery also do not have to be the same person. All the prosecutor needs to prove is that you attempted to steal and that you caused injury to another person or threatened them with fear of injury or death.

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What is Aggravated Robbery in Texas?

A robbery offense may be enhanced to aggravated robbery if certain factors existed during the commission of the theft. The elements for aggravated robbery are found under the Texas Penal Code Section 29.03, which states a person is guilty of the crime if:

  • They commit the act of robbery and:
    • Cause serious bodily injury to another person
    • Use or exhibited a deadly weapon during the commission of the theft
    • Cause bodily injury to another or threaten/place another person in fear of imminent bodily injury or death. The person must be at least 65 or older or an individual with a mental, physical, or developmental disability that would render them incapable of defending themselves.

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What is the Penalty for Robbery in Texas?

The crime of robbery is incredibly serious and could result in life-changing consequences. If you’re convicted, you could be facing time in prison and huge out-of-pocket fines. That doesn’t even call into question all the collateral consequences a robbery charge may have for your career, ability to obtain housing, or future goals.

Robbery is a second-degree felony under the Texas Penal Code and could result in:

  • Up to 20 years in prison; and
  • A fine of up to $10,000

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How Many Years for Armed Robbery in Texas?

Robbery is of course a serious offense. The crime is charged as a felony initially, so you’re already looking at prison time. Unfortunately, those penalties can be increased even further if the prosecutor reclassifies the charge to aggravated robbery, also known as armed robbery.

Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony in the state of Texas. The maximum sentence you may receive for armed robbery is up to 99 years or life in prison. You’ll also be fined up to $10,000 if you’re convicted of aggravated robbery.

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Additional Resources

Brownsville, TX Robbery Statistics – Visit the official Annual Crime Report from the Brownsville Police Department to review their crime reports and data. Access the report to look at the statistics for property crimes including robbery and armed robbery, as well as other related offenses including rape, murder, aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft.

Texas Robbery Laws – Visit the official website for the Texas Penal Code to learn more about their laws regarding robbery and other theft offenses. Access the site to learn the elements of the crime, penalties upon conviction, factors that could aggravate the charges, and more.

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Cameron County Attorney for Robbery

If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery or armed robbery, we highly suggest you call The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. The criminal defense attorneys at The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. have years and years of criminal defense experience we can apply to your case. We create effective and efficient legal defenses for our clients and have helped hundreds obtain reduced or dismissed charges.

Call The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. today at 956-504-2211 to set up your first consultation. The Gracia Law Firm, P.C. accepts clients in Cameron County and other surrounding counties including Hidalgo County and Willacy County.

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