Colorado Springs Assault Attorneys
Armed Robbery
Robbery is both a violent crime and a property crime in nature, although it is categorized as a violent crime by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to Colorado Revised Statute 18-4-301, robbery is committed when "a person… knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation." A robbery is considered armed robbery, or aggravated robbery as it is designated by Colorado law, if the offender is armed with a deadly weapon with the intent to wound, maim, or kill the person or persons being robbed should they resist.
Additional Definitions of Aggravated Robbery
Being armed with a "seemingly" deadly weapon is enough for a robbery to be considered an aggravated or armed robbery. If the "weapon" appears deadly and the alleged offender advertises it as such, then the offender would be considered guilty of armed robbery. Additionally, if the offender knowingly strikes or wounds any person with a deadly weapon or by the use of threats, force, or intimidation with a deadly weapon, the action is considered to be armed robbery. Finally, if an accomplice or confederate conducts themselves according to any of the aforementioned actions, all parties involved would be considered to have committed armed robbery. Aggravated robbery is a serious crime which carries stiff penalties that can permanently alter the course of a person's life and jeopardize their future.
Penalties for Armed Robbery
Colorado law considers aggravated robbery a violent crime and any person convicted of such a crime will be sentenced according to violent crime penalties. Aggravated robbery is a class 3 felony, as well as an "extraordinary risk crime," which carries with it the following penalties:
- A minimum sentence of 4 years in prison and a $3,000 fine; and
- A maximum sentence of 16 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.
In exceptional circumstances:
- A minimum of 2 years in prison;
- A maximum of 32 years in prison; and
- 5 years mandatory parole.
Any sentence between the minimum and maximum presumptive range may be ordered by the court, as well as other potential requirements, such as successful completion of a rehabilitation program, psychological evaluations, community service, probation and/or completion of an anger management program. In extenuating circumstances, a judge may modify a convicted offender's punishment to reflect the unique situation.
Consequences of an Aggravated Robbery Conviction
The consequences of an armed robbery conviction in Colorado go far beyond a fine and a prison sentence. Many convicted felons lose their jobs, their homes, and their families. After paying heavy fines and/or restitution, an armed robber may find him or herself in a desperate financial situation. Once released, jobs will be hard to come by and rebuilding relationships or trying to develop new ones may be difficult, thus creating a lonely future.
Don't Leave Your Future to Chance
In order to avoid excessive or unwarranted imprisonment, and to protect your financial and personal future, you should retain the services of an aggressive Colorado Springs felony defense attorney. Timothy Bussey of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., is an experienced Colorado armed robbery defense attorney and can build a strong defense on your behalf. To learn more about protecting your legal rights and potentially having the charges against you reduced or dropped, contact Mr. Bussey today at 719-475-2555.
Colorado Springs DUI lawyer Timothy Bussey at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. in Colorado represents clients in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso County, including the cities of Fountain, Manitou Springs, and Monument.
The Bussey Law Firm, P.C.
12 E. Boulder Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: (719) 475-2555
Fax: (719) 475-0046