Garland Aggravated Robbery Lawyer

Garland Aggravated Robbery Attorney

Being accused of aggravated robbery should be taken seriously, as it is a severe felony if found guilty. This happens when someone has allegedly taken someone else’s property through force or threat of force while using a deadly weapon. Sometimes, serious bodily injury is also involved. If you have been accused of committing this type of crime, you need to hire a Garland aggravated robbery lawyer early on in the process.

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we understand how unsettled you may be being accused of a felony. We sympathize with this feeling and dedicate our services to helping out in every way we can. From day one, our criminal defense lawyers will prioritize a thorough investigation into what happened to ensure we have enough compelling evidence to combat the charges. In the end, we aim to either reduce or drop the charges entirely.

What Common Defenses Are Used in Allegations of Aggravated Robbery?

Being accused of a serious crime like aggravated robbery can have devastating consequences for those involved. Because aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony in Texas, it means those convicted could face decades in prison. You will need to work with a defense lawyer who can determine the most suitable defense if you have been accused of this crime.

Some of the most common defenses include:

Mistaken Identity

One of the more common defenses against allegations of committing an aggravated robbery is mistaken identity. Because the nature of these crimes is often in very stressful environments, the fast-paced circumstances can make it easier for someone to believe the wrong person was responsible. It is not uncommon for a witness to misremember certain facial features, clothes, or even the height of the suspect.

This issue is especially concerning for an area like Garland, where robbery incidents have fluctuated over the years. In the first half of 2019, the city recorded 140 robbery offenses.

When compared to the previous year, this marked a 7.69% increase. With the pressure to quickly address rising crimes like these, law enforcement and attorneys need to be sure cases of mistaken identity do not go unnoticed to truly make a dent in the influence that robberies have in Garland.

False Accusations

Not all aggravated robbery claims are innocent mistakes. Sometimes, an individual will purposefully accuse someone of committing a crime they did not commit for their own personal reasons. This could include trying to get revenge on an individual or deflecting blame away from their own actions. In these situations, the alleged victim may try to exaggerate certain claims to hope the justice system will believe their narrative without question.

Insufficient Evidence

All aggravated robbery cases should be supported by quality evidence, such as fingerprints, surveillance footage, and the presence of a weapon. However, when someone is making a false allegation, the story starts to fall apart when the evidence is not convincing. Rather, the charges being filed could be based on hearsay information, assumptions, or circumstantial factors. When this happens, a defense attorney will point out the insufficient evidence.

Pressure on Law Enforcement to Solve Cases Quickly

Sometimes, local law enforcement feels pressured to deliver quick arrests. This can sometimes lead to a rushed investigation or confirmation bias, where an officer becomes too focused on a particular suspect and fails to consider any alternative explanations. While Texas saw an 18% overall crime decrease in 2023, violent crimes like aggravated robbery still command a high degree of attention that can sometimes lead an officer to rush and make an incorrect judgment.

FAQs About Garland, TX Aggravated Robbery Laws

Q: Can You Get Probation for Aggravated Robbery in Garland, Texas?

A: While it is possible that you could receive probation rather than spend time in prison for aggravated robbery in Garland, Texas, this possibility is limited. This is because, in Texas, aggravated robbery is considered a first-degree felony. Judges, juries, or prosecutors are more likely to consider probation, if the defendant has no prior felony convictions and the case does not involve (please remove “any”) instances of extremely violent behavior or injuries.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Robbery and Aggravated Robbery?

A: The biggest difference between a traditional robbery and an aggravated robbery is the conditions that elevate a robbery charge to an aggravated one. These additional elements include using or exhibiting a deadly weapon, causing serious bodily injury, or targeting vulnerable victims who cannot defend themselves, such as the elderly or disabled. When this happens, the charge can be elevated from second-degree to first-degree. As a result, much harsher penalties could be applied.

Q: Can You Be Charged With Aggravated Robbery If You Didn’t Have a Weapon?

A: Yes, it is possible to be charged with aggravated robbery even when a weapon wasn’t found. In Texas, pretending to have a weapon while threatening someone could be enough to elevate a criminal charge to an aggravated robbery. For example, if someone puts a hand into their pocket to mimic having a gun, they may still be charged with aggravated robbery in Texas. Yet, every case is unique and an attorney’s comprehensive assessment can help with your specific charges.

Q: What Should You Do If the Police Want to Question You About a Robbery in Texas?

A: If a police officer informs you they want to talk to you about a robbery, you should exercise your right to remain silent and connect with an aggravated robbery attorney before saying anything else. Whether you are being arrested or not, anything you say to an officer at that moment could be used against you or someone else in the case later on. To avoid saying anything that could jeopardize the outcome of the case, only speak to others under the guidance of your defense lawyer.

Contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC Today

If you have recently been charged with aggravated robbery in Garland, Texas, and are unsure where to turn, contact Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC. Our Garland Aggravated Robbery Lawyer can investigate your charges, defend your rights, and build a solid defense case on your behalf. We have been helping clients facing these allegations for many years and would be honored to represent your interests in court to fight for the outcome you are looking for.