Morristown Robbery Lawyers

Theft Defense Attorneys in Morris County, New Jersey

New Jersey Robbery Charges N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1

Although people typically think of robbery as involving armed men wearing masks and carrying shotguns, NJ prosecutors often interpret the robbery statute very broadly. Even a shoplifting offense can be elevated to a robbery charge if any kind of force was used against a store employee or security guard. Since these kinds of offenses can be considered violent crimes, NJ prosecutors often seek the maximum punishments. This means that you could be looking at prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent criminal record.

The Tormey Law Firm is an skilled group of criminal defense lawyers who have extensive experience representing clients charged with theft and fraud offenses, including robbery, burglary, and prescription fraud throughout Morris County and New Jersey. We’ve successfully defended clients facing robbery charges in Dover, Parsippany, Mount Olive, Denville, Morristown, and Rockaway. Our managing partner, Travis J. Tormey, has been featured in the Daily Record regarding several shoplifting cases that he has handled.

We understand the stress and fear that a person charged with a theft crime can feel. If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery in Morris County or elsewhere in New Jersey, you need an experienced theft defense attorney who has the knowledge and resources necessary to fight the charges against you. Contact the Tormey Law Firm in Morristown anytime at 866-949-6948 for immediate assistance and a free consultation about your robbery case.

New Jersey Robbery Law: N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1

In New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1 governs robbery charges and provides, in pertinent part:

a. Robbery defined. A person is guilty of robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, he:

(1) Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon another; or

(2) Threatens another with or purposely puts him in fear of immediate bodily injury; or

(3) Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree.

An act shall be deemed to be included in the phrase “in the course of committing a theft” if it occurs in an attempt to commit theft or in immediate flight after the attempt or commission.

b. Grading. Robbery is a crime of the second degree, except that it is a crime of the first degree if in the course of committing the theft the actor attempts to kill anyone, or purposely inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury, or is armed with, or uses or threatens the immediate use of a deadly weapon.

Penalties for Robbery in NJ

Robbery is an extremely serious criminal offense. Robbery is typically classified as a second degree felony; however, a robbery charge can be upgraded to a first degree felony if the robbery involved the use of a deadly weapon or resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim. “Serious bodily injury” means an injury that created a substantial risk of death or permanent disfigurement. Additionally, since practically anything can be considered a deadly weapon, it is very easy for a prosecutor to upgrade a standard robbery charge to an armed robbery charge. The weapons that prosecutors classify as “deadly weapons” may include imitation handguns and BB guns.

First degree offenses are the most serious crimes in New Jersey, punishable by 10 to 20 years in NJ State Prison if convicted. Additionally, robbery charges carry a presumption of incarceration, meaning that any plea deal offered by the prosecutor will probably involve a prison sentence. Moreover, robbery is one of the enumerated offenses under the “No Early Release Act,” which requires a defendant to serve 85 percent of his or her prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Contact a Parsippany Robbery Defense Attorney for a Free Consultation

Since the penalties for a robbery conviction in New Jersey are so severe, it is imperative that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to combat the charges against you. Here at the Tormey Law Firm, we care about our clients. When you have us on your side, you can rest assured that we will guide you through the complicated NJ criminal justice system and zealously represent you. We know how to challenge the prosecution’s case and get the charges dismissed. Even if the prosecution’s case against you is particularly strong, we may be able to get the charges downgraded or get you admitted into a diversionary program such as Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI).

If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery or another theft offense Morris County or elsewhere in New Jersey, contact the Tormey Law Firm anytime at 866-949-6948 for a free consultation about your case.