McLean, VA Robbery Defense Attorney

Lawyer Defending Against Robbery Charges in McLean, Virginia

Accusations of robbery can be serious, resulting in aggressive prosecution and multiple charges for both theft offenses and violent crimes. Unlike other forms of theft or larceny, robbery involves the use or threat of force. A person accused of robbery in McLean or Fairfax County will not only face a lengthy prison sentence if they are convicted, but they will have a permanent felony record that can lead to numerous collateral consequences.

Whether an incident that led to allegations of robbery involved the use of a weapon, physical harm to another person, or intimidation, it is critical to understand the best ways to defend against these charges. Legal representation is essential in these situations, and the skilled criminal defense attorney at Noorishad Law, P.C. can help determine the best approach to take to defend against a conviction.

Robbery cases often often complex issues related to intent, verification of an offender's identity, and the use of force or intimidation. Our lawyer will work to ensure that a defendant's constitutional rights are protected. We can challenge improper police procedures and identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, highlighting inconsistencies in the alleged victim's account or demonstrating that no force was used or no threats occurred. Attorney Kaveh Noorishad can take steps to pursue a dismissal or acquittal, and he will work to minimize the long-term consequences of these accusations.

What Is Robbery?

Accusations of taking property from another person or in their presence, against their will, and through the use of force, violence, intimidation, or threats will typically result in charges of robbery. This is different from other forms of theft such as larceny or embezzlement, which generally do not involve personal confrontations or the use of physical force.

Penalties for Robbery in Virginia

Robbery is a felony offense, and the degree of felony will be based on the circumstances of the case. The most serious charges will apply if a person is accused of causing the alleged victim to suffer a serious injury or taking actions that resulted in someone's death. In these cases, robbery is a Class 2 felony, and the minimum prison sentence is 20 years. If someone was killed, a person may face charges of murder or manslaughter in addition to robbery.

If a person was allegedly armed with a deadly weapon when committing robbery, they could be charged with armed robbery. Using a firearm to commit robbery, including displaying a gun in a threatening manner, is a Class 3 felony, and a conviction may carry a sentence of five to 20 years in prison. Using or displaying a deadly weapon other than a firearm during a robbery can result in Class 5 felony charges, and a conviction may lead to a sentence of one to 10 years in prison.

Class 5 felony charges may also apply if physical force was allegedly used while committing robbery. In cases involving threats or intimidation that did not include physical force or the use of a weapon, robbery may be charged as a Class 6 felony, and a person who is convicted may be sentenced to between one and five years in prison.

Additional Consequences of a Robbery Conviction

In addition to incarceration, a robbery conviction can lead to:

• A permanent felony record, which will affect a person's employment, housing, and education opportunities even after they have served their sentence
• The loss of the right to own or possess firearms
• Disqualification from the ability to obtain certain professional licenses
• Immigration consequences, including the possibility of deportation for non-citizens
• Civil liability, which may require a person to pay damages for causing harm to others

Because of the many ways you may be affected if you are convicted of robbery, you will need to make sure you have legal representation during your case. Attorney Noorishad can help you determine the best steps to take during your defense, which may include proving that you were in a different location when the robbery occurred, raising doubts about whether you could be conclusively identified, or demonstrating that a situation did not involve weapons or the use of force. He will fight to prevent a conviction and minimize the penalties that could affect your life.

Contact Our McLean, VA Robbery Defense Lawyer

A robbery conviction will lead to consequences that can affect every aspect of your life. When addressing accusations of robbery, it is vital to act quickly and secure legal representation from an experienced lawyer. At Noorishad Law, P.C., our McLean robbery defense attorney understands the nuances of Virginia law. He is ready to help you determine the best defense strategy that will allow you to resolve your case successfully. To get the legal help you need as you defend against a conviction, contact our office at 703-542-4500 and arrange your free consultation.