Long Island Robbery Defense Attorney Serving Suffolk & Nassau Counties

When someone is accused of robbery, it is a very serious allegation. Under New York state law, robbery is considered to be a violent act. As such, a robbery conviction carries very significant penalties. If you or someone you love was convicted of robbery, theft, or another serious criminal crime, schedule a free consultation with an experienced robbery defense attorney at The Matera Law Firm. Protecting the rights of the accused throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties for over 25 years.

In recent years, crime rates have been rising in New York City. March of 2021 saw more than 840 instances of robbery, according to statistics from the New York City Police Department.

If you or someone you love has been charged with robbery in Long Island, you are not alone. It is important to know and understand your rights. To fight the charge, you should contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

The robbery defense attorneys at The Matera Law Firm have years of experience in protecting the rights of the accused. Our lawyers have the skills necessary to secure a positive outcome in your robbery case.

A criminal conviction can affect your life, reputation, and professional prospects for years to come. An accomplished robbery defense attorney will build a persuasive legal argument to protect you.

Do not leave your fate to chance; contact the best robbery defense lawyers in Nassau and Suffolk counties at The Matera Law Firm.

Our legal team boasts more than 25 years of combined experience in defending our clients. We know what it takes to beat criminal charges and to secure the best outcomes for the accused.

Our firm employs former prosecutors, who can provide their unique perspectives to build the strongest defense possible in your case. Contact an experienced robbery defense attorney at The Matera Law Firm today for a free legal consultation.

Understanding “Robbery” Under New York State Law

Robbery is a very serious criminal offense. Many people believe that “robbery” is just another word for theft. However, this is a misconception. Under New York state law, a robbery charge is only applicable if the perpetrator uses force or threat of force.

For instance, if a perpetrator steals from someone and is brandishing a gun or knife, the crime would qualify as a robbery. But the perpetrator does not have to use actual force for the act to qualify for a robbery charge.

Consider the following example. A perpetrator points their finger inside of their jacket pocket, giving the impression of a firearm. Then, they rely on the appearance of a weapon to steal from a victim. Even though no actual force was used, this qualifies as robbery.

If the victim or a third person is harmed during the commission of the crime, the charge becomes much more serious. As we will discuss below, robbery charges involving injuries or death carry severe penalties. If you’ve been accused of robbery in New York, schedule a free consultation with an experienced robbery defense attorney today.

What Are The Robbery Laws and Charges in New York?

A robbery occurs when a perpetrator commits larceny with the threat or application of force. In New York state, there are three degrees of robbery charges.

First-Degree Robbery

First-degree robbery is applicable under certain circumstances. If the perpetrator causes serious bodily injury during the theft, they may face a first-degree charge. If you’ve been accused of first-degree robbery, you need to speak with an experienced robbery defense attorney immediately.

Under New York law, “serious bodily injury” entails a substantial risk of death, impairment of health, or damage to the function of any bodily organ. A first-degree robbery charge is also applicable if the perpetrator hurts someone while in immediate flight from the scene.

An individual may also be charged with first-degree robbery if they have used a deadly weapon while committing the crime. In New York, the term deadly weapon can refer to:

• A loaded firearm
• A billy club
• Brass or metal knuckles
• Daggers
• A blackjack
• Certain knives, including pilum ballistic knives, gravity knives, or switchblades

A charge of robbery in the first-degree charges can be filed under other circumstances, as well.

This charge can be applied if the perpetrator was wielding a “dangerous instrument” or object capable of dealing severe injury. Displaying a firearm to steal property is also grounds for a first-degree charge.

First-degree robbery charges are incredibly serious. A conviction carries a prison sentence of up to 25 years in a New York state prison.

If you are facing a first-degree robbery charge, contact The Matera Law Firm. Many of our attorneys are former prosecutors that know how to defend against these allegations. Speaking with a qualified robbery defense attorney will give you the best chance of beating the charges against you.

Second-Degree Robbery

A person can be charged with second-degree robbery if they have forcibly stolen property and:

• They were helped or aided by an accomplice
• Another person is injured because of the crime
• They brandish a firearm or what appears to be a firearm
• The stolen property was a motor vehicle

This type of robbery charge is a Class C felony. When convicted of second-degree robbery, individuals face between seven and fifteen years in prison.

Convicted people may also face years of probation and significant fines and financial penalties. In some cases, the fines are double the amount stolen in the commission of the crime.

Do not risk incurring these steep penalties. Contact the experienced robbery defense attorneys at The Matera Law Firm.

Third-Degree Robbery

This is the least severe robbery charge. Still, it is considered to be a violent crime and is, therefore, a very serious charge.

Third-degree robbery charges involve the theft of property without the use of a weapon. Third-degree robberies do not involve an injury to the victim.

This type of crime is classified as a Class D felony. A conviction carries a sentence of two to seven years in prison.

Examples of third-degree robberies include stealing a wallet, bag, or other valuables by pushing the victim. Unarmed purse-snatching is also an example of a third-degree robbery.

Regardless of the circumstances of your robbery charge, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out to a robbery defense attorney, the sooner you can plan an effective defense.

At The Matera Law Firm, we know how to fight criminal charges effectively. We have years of experience in successfully defending those who have been accused of robbery.

What Defenses Can Robbery Defense Attorneys Use?

Every robbery charge involves a unique set of circumstances. It is important to consult with a skilled robbery defense attorney to plan the most successful strategy for your case.

There are many common defenses for people who are facing charges of robbery. In criminal cases, the defendant’s guilt must be proven “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Therefore, an expert criminal defense lawyer will use proven strategies to undermine the prosecutor’s arguments and evidence.

Some examples of robbery charge defenses include:

• Innocence
• Intoxication
• Duress
• Entrapment

An effective defense begins with accomplished legal representation. At The Matera Law Firm, we have the skills necessary to defend those who have been accused of robbery.

In one recent case, our legal team called a client to testify before a Grand Jury in New York. Our client was well prepared and their testimony was powerful. As a result, the Grand Jury completely dismissed the robbery charges against them.

Experienced Robbery Defense Attorneys in Long Island

If you have been charged with robbery in Nassau or Suffolk counties, do not wait. Contact the legal team at The Matera Law Firm today. We understand that every accused person deserves a formidable defense. Every individual is innocent until proven guilty.

Our Robbery defense attorneys have nearly three decades of combined experience. We will build a powerful defense for you. Contact The Matera Law Firm to schedule a free legal consultation to discuss the facts of your case.