
Robbery is an extremely serious criminal offense under Texas law. It involves either the use or threat of force to take property from someone else. It’s a step further than traditional simple theft, as robbery introduces elements of violence or intimidation to get what the perpetrator wants. If you have been accused of committing robbery and are not sure where to turn next, a Mesquite robbery lawyer can help assess your case and advise what your next move should be.
At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we believe that every client deserves dedication and attention during these sensitive moments. As a firm founded on family values and a strong work ethic, we take pride in standing by our clients when they need help the most. When you hire a robbery lawyer from our team, we promise you straightforward advice, clear expectations, and consistent updates on your case from start to finish. That’s the Harris & Harris way.
Robbery in Texas is classified as a violent crime. This is true even if no one was physically harmed. Under state law, robbery occurs when someone commits theft, and while in the process of doing so, they intentionally harm someone. It’s a critical distinction, as many scenarios will start off as simple theft, but quickly escalate into something much greater.
Because Texas takes these cases so seriously, the consequences could amount to the following repercussions:
Even as the robbery crime statistics fluctuate, it remains prevalent across Texas. In fact, there were 20,965 robberies reported in the state in 2023. While national robbery trends are pointing downward at 8.9%, it’s still an issue affecting communities across Texas.
The outcomes of robbery cases largely depend on how evidence is interpreted and presented. Prosecutors tend to pursue these cases aggressively, especially in regions where it remains an issue. Between Q2 2023 and 2024, Region 1 (North Texas) recorded a 15.57% reduction in total index crimes. However, robbery was listed as the most significant violent crime category.
A focus on this means defendants may face increased scrutiny and pressure to accept plea deals rather than exercise their full legal rights. However, a quality defense attorney shouldn’t default to accepting a plea deal without exploring all options on the table.
Some common defense tactics to use in a robbery case include:
It’s important to remember: a strong criminal defense doesn’t react to charges. Rather, they proactively dismantle weak points in the prosecution’s case. Every piece of evidence, every statement, and every timeline detail must be examined to ensure that the outcome is based on fact, not assumptions. A Mesquite robbery attorney works hard to make sure this happens.
The minimum sentence for a robbery conviction in Mesquite depends on the circumstances of the case and whether any aggravating factors were involved. Sentencing often takes into account the severity of what happened, whether someone had a previous criminal record, and whether a weapon was used. Even first-time offenders are taken seriously when these violent elements are present. That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled defense attorney for alternative options when needed.
The total cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Texas varies based on how complicated the case is, how many years of experience the attorney has, and whether the case goes to trial. Some lawyers are known for charging a flat fee per service. Others might bill hourly. Because this can vary so much and impact your budget, it’s important to discuss costs upfront before hiring someone. A good attorney should be transparent about costs.
Yes, there have been cases where someone has faced robbery charges even without successfully taking anything. What matters is the combination of intent to steal and the use of force. As discussed, this is what makes robbery different from simple theft. A solid defense strategy for these instances might focus on disproving intent or showing that no credible threat of violence actually occurred.
Absolutely. In fact, the goal of any criminal defense case is to get charges reduced or dismissed. Some of the most common reasons why this happens include insufficient evidence, violations of a procedure, or lack of intent.
Skilled attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors to achieve plea deals or present compelling defenses that cast doubt on key elements of the crime. It’s important to work with an attorney who tailors their efforts to address the specifics of your accusation.
If you were accused of robbery and you are not sure what your next move should be, contact our firm today. We are prepared to hear your story and break down how we can help you defend your rights in the process of fighting the allegations.