Chicago Robbery Attorney

Robbery is one of the most common violent crimes in America. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there are over 300,000 robberies every year. This amounts to nearly $400 million in annual losses. With the prevalence of this crime, many states, including Illinois, issue harsh punishments for robbery. A conviction can result in steep fines and years in jail or prison. If you have been accused of robbery, the best thing you can do is obtain legal representation.

Chicago robbery attorney Michael O’Meara knows that people are often unfairly accused of robbery. With over 20 years in the courtroom, Attorney O’Meara has the experience and the resources to give your case the best possible chance of success.

To find out how you can avoid the harsh consequences of a robbery conviction, call 312-909-0706 for a free consultation.

Understanding Robbery

In Illinois, there are multiple robbery laws that describe several separate crimes. Although there are many exceptions, robbery is basically defined as using force or intimidation to take property from its owner’s immediate possession. This means that the stolen item must be taken directly from its owner. With this crime, physical contact is not required. It is possible to be charged with robbery even if you did not touch the other person.

While the definition for robbery seems fairly straightforward, there are certain factors that can increase the resulting criminal penalties. Armed robbery, for example, involves being armed with a weapon while committing a robbery. This charge can arise even if the weapon is concealed. Aggravated robbery, on the other hand, involves informing the victim that you are armed or using drugs to deceive them.

Penalties for Robbery

The penalties for robbery depend on the unique circumstances of each case. For example, if the victim sustains an injury, the criminal consequences will be far more severe. All robberies are classified as felonies, but the felony level depends on the type of robbery committed:

  • Robbery (Class 2 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and between three and seven years in prison
  • Robbery of a victim at least 60 years old or a person with a physical disability (Class 1 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and four to 15 years in prison
  • Robbery in a school, child care center, or place of worship (Class 1 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and four to 15 years in prison
  • Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000 and between four and 15 years in prison
  • Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) – A fine of up to $25,000, between three and seven years in prison, and an additional 15 years to life in prison, depending on the circumstances.

The collateral consequences of having robbery conviction can be severe. Finding a job once you are released from prison, for example, might be impossible. Most employers are reluctant to hire anyone with a criminal history. You may also find that you ineligible for many professional licenses as a felon. Continuing your education might also be difficult. Most colleges and universities look into applicants’ backgrounds prior to admissions. In addition, most scholarships are off-limits to those who have been convicted of a crime. Finally, you will no longer be able to legally possess a firearm, and if you’re a non-citizen, you may face deportation proceedings.

How O’Meara Law Can Help

There is no doubt that being accused of such a serious crime is a terrifying experience. With the help of an experienced defense attorney, however, you may be able to achieve an acquittal, the dismissal of your charges, or a conviction for a lesser offense. There may be indications that you were falsely identified as the perpetrator. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable, but it is also the most commonly used form of evidence.

You may be worried about how your family will survive without you or how you be able to re-enter the workforce when you are released from prison. With the stress and anxiety associated with your arrest, you have enough to worry about. Let Chicago robbery attorney Michael O’Meara advocate or you. With two decades of courtroom experience, he is well positioned to obtain a positive resolution of your case.

If you would like to learn more about the defenses that may apply to your case, call O’Meara Law 312-909-0706 today.

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