NJ Robbery Defense Lawyers – Fighting Robbery Charges in New Jersey
Charged with Armed Robbery in NJ? Penalties and Defense for Robbery N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1
Robbery is one of the most frowned upon criminal offenses in New Jersey. The punishments are severe, and will definitely change the course of someones life.
Robbery is either a first degree or second degree offense, depending on the alleged circumstances of the crime. The “degree” of the charge determines the severity of the robbery penalties. A typical charge for robbery is graded as a second degree offense. However, there are factors that elevate second degree robbery to a first degree crime. For instance, if there was a weapon involved – armed robbery – this is a first degree charge in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1. Also, if someone is injured or threatened with injury during the course of the robbery, this is also grounds to upgrade to a crime of the 1st degree.
A first degree crime is the most serious you can face in New Jersey and is punishable by ten (10) to twenty (20) years in New Jersey state prison. A second degree offense, on the other hand, is punishable by five (5) to ten (10) years in jail.
Both these offenses have a presumption of incarceration which means that, even if you have no prior record, if you are convicted of a first degree or second degree robbery offense it is presumed that you will be sentenced to a prison (as opposed to probation).
Moreover, robbery offenses are governed by the No Early Release Act (known as “NERA”) which requires that a defendant serve 85% of their prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
I have a lot of experience in handling robbery cases, and I’m sure that I can tell you how we can fight yours. Your best bet is to give my office a call for a free consultation on the matter.
Arrested for Robbery? Our Aggressive New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you to potentially defeat your robbery charges.
The Tormey Law Firm has immense experienced handling robbery charges in New Jersey. Travis Tormey has represented clients for years charged with robbery, burglary, and theft in NJ. With advanced defense strategies for this type of charge, he knows how to fight your case.
Contact our office anytime for a free consultation at (201)-556-1571 and we are happy to discuss your case.
Governing Statute for Robbery: N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1
Robbery charges in New Jersey are governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 which provides in pertinent part:
§ 2C:15-1. Robbery
a. Robbery defined. A person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:
(1) Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or
(2) Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or
(3) Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.
An act shall be deemed to be included in the phrase “in the course of committing a theft” if it occurs in an attempt to commit theft or in immediate flight after the attempt or commission.
b. Grading. Robbery is a crime of the second degree, except that it is a crime of the first degree if in the course of committing the theft the actor attempts to kill anyone, or purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury, or is armed with, or uses or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.
Related Information about Robbery Charges:
- Charged with Aggravated Assault during Robbery
- Accused of Eluding Police after a Robbery
- Possession of a Weapon Offense