Armed robbery is the stealing of property from another with force, using violence, or the threat of violence while armed with a deadly weapon. If you’re convicted of armed robbery in Tennessee there can be serious repercussions. Continue reading to learn more about the charges and best defenses for armed robbery in Tennessee.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Armed Robbery Case?
If you were arrested for armed robbery in Tennessee, you must work with a skilled attorney. It is a violent and serious crime, so the punishment will be severe. Without the help of an experienced lawyer, you can face extensive fines and prison time.
Your attorney will be able to assess the facts of your case and determine what defense will benefit your situation. They can gather and organize all relevant data and evidence and present it in a compelling way to defend you. They will also be able to communicate with the necessary agencies and handle the details of your case. By working with an attorney you may be able to have your charges reduced or even dismissed depending on the circumstances of your situation. Reach out to a Memphis violent crime lawyer to begin discussing the details of your case and formulating an effective defense.
Is Armed Robbery a Felony in Tennessee?
Under Tennessee state law, armed robbery, also known as aggravated robbery, is a Class B felony. The crime is punishable by up to $25,000 worth of fines and between 8 and 30 years in prison.
What Are My Defense Options?
Because of the severity of the crime and punishment, building a good defense when facing armed robbery charges is vitally important. Generally, a few defense options can work, but your lawyer will be able to better evaluate your case and determine how to defend you in court.
The first defense is having an alibi. If you were misidentified as the culprit and are innocent, having an alibi can help get your charges dropped. Locate photo or video evidence that you were elsewhere during the crime. Eyewitness testimony can also help prove that you could not have committed the crime.
You may also have been intoxicated at the time you committed the armed robbery. Because intoxication by drugs or alcohol can distort a person’s common sense and judgment, a court may show leniency towards you. Additionally, if you were involuntarily intoxicated it could be an effective defense.
If you committed the crime under duress you may be able to have your charges and sentencing lessened. If someone coerced you into committing the crime under the pretense that they would cause you bodily harm or death if you did not, you could argue that you were under duress and defending yourself by committing the crime.
Entrapment can also be a solid defense. If you prove that a law enforcement officer or other government agent pressured you into committing the crime, it can have a tremendous positive impact on your case.
