The state of New Jersey does not treat violent crimes lightly. Those accused of such crimes could face significant penalties if ultimately convicted. Robbery is one type of violent crime seen fairly frequently in the state. Are you accused of committing a robbery? If so, you likely have a lot of questions about what this means and what you can do to help yourself.

Some of your question may include the following: How is robbery defined? What does the prosecution need to secure a conviction? What are the consequences of a conviction? Is there any way to fight robbery charges?

Robbery is

Robbery is more than just taking another person's property. It is taking it from that person while it is in his or her immediate possession, using force or intimidation to cause the victim to fear for his or her safety.

In order for the prosecuting attorney to obtain a conviction, several elements must exist in you case. Establishing each of the necessary elements can prove a challenge even to the most skilled prosecuting attorneys. The elements needed for a robbery conviction include:

• The accused used intimidation, force or a weapon to commit the crime
• The victim had reason to fear for his or her safety
• Property was taken
• The accused absconded with the stolen property

If any of these elements are missing, you may achieve a case dismissal or at least a reduction in charges.

Consequences

The consequences tied to a robbery conviction vary based on the details of the alleged crime. For instance, if you stand accused of using a gun during the robbery, your penalties would be far more severe than someone who only used threats of violence or intimidating body language. Potential consequences currently include:

• Jail time
• Imprisonment
• Fines

Again, every case is different. Your legal counsel can review your case and provide more detail about the potential consequences tied to your case.

You have the right to defend yourself

When facing accusations of involvement in a robbery, you may feel that there is little you can do to help your situation. That may not be true, however. After a careful review of your case, a defense strategy can be identified that will best suit your needs and help you achieve the best outcome possible.