Columbia Robbery Defense Attorneys
Smart criminal defense when you’re facing robbery charges in Columbia, South Carolina
The act of robbery involves taking property from another individual through the use of threats or violence. Robbery is a felony crime and a conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison. If you’ve been accused of robbery, or believe you’re under investigation, it’s crucial you contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your best chance for a positive outcome is to begin fighting the charges against you immediately.
We understand what’s at stake with a criminal conviction. With more than 25 years of experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Hough has the inside knowledge and skill to build a strong defense against your robbery charges, working to have the case against you either minimized or dismissed. Our job is to protect your constitutional rights during the criminal justice process. Call The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. to set up a consultation in the Columbia and Charleston areas today.
What are the definitions and degrees of robbery?
Under South Carolina Code § 16-11-325 and 330, robbery is generally defined as when an individual is accused of taking property from another by force, or by threat of force. This is broken down into armed robbery, strong-armed (or common law) robbery, and attempted robbery. Armed robbery is the most serious of the three.
Armed robbery
Under SC law, it’s a felony to commit a robbery with any object the victim could reasonably believe was a deadly weapon. This could include typical weapons like a gun or knife, but could also include things like brass knuckles, a simulated gun, or anything else that could be used, or believed to be used, as a deadly weapon. An armed robbery conviction carries a minimum of 10 years in prison with a maximum of 30 years, without eligibility for parole until after serving seven years.
Strong-armed robbery
The difference between armed robbery and strong-armed robbery is that there is no weapon used during the offense. However, these are still felony charges because the threat of force is still there. A strong-armed robbery conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison.
Attempted robbery
It’s also a felony to commit attempted robbery. To be convicted of attempted robbery, an individual must have had the intent to commit the crime and taken steps to complete that crime. A conviction can result in up to 20 years in prison.
Penalties for robbery convictions can vary depending on certain circumstances and aggravating factors as well, like any violence that occurs during the crime. A tenacious theft defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to plea down the charges against you or have them dismissed altogether. We understand that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and we stand by and support you through the entire criminal justice process, working for the best possible outcome for your case.
The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A. also aggressively defends clients against other criminal charges, including assault, arson, kidnapping, and charges against college students. We also handle drunk driving defense.
Is robbery a state or a federal crime?
A person may be charged with robbery at the state or federal level depending mainly on where the robbery happened. For example, if a robbery occurred at any of the following places or agencies, it would be considered a federal crime:
- Banks
- Cargo being transported across state lines
- Credit unions
- Savings and loan institutions
Why were my charges enhanced with “possession of tools”?
Under S.C. Code § 16-11-20, possession of burglary tools is a felony, and a conviction is punishable by up to five years in prison. Prosecutors often add these charges on to robbery charges in an effort to increase penalties. Of course, you can’t be arrested for just having these tools on your person. To be charged with possession of burglary tools, you must have them with intent to commit a robbery or burglary.
Examples of burglary tools can include any engine, machine, tool, false key, picklock, bit, nippers, nitroglycerine, dynamite cap, coil or fuse, steel wedge, or drill tap-pin. They can also include master keys and key sets, or even screwdrivers.
How can a Columbia and Charleston robbery defense attorney help me?
When you’re facing robbery charges, you need a lawyer who’s dedicated to the favorable outcome of your case, as well as the distinctions between the various types of charges. We commit ourselves to investigating the facts of your case and applying our knowledge of the law to avoid jail time and other harsh penalties that come along with a criminal conviction.
Failing to act immediately after an arrest for robbery, or even as soon as you know you may be under investigation, can lead to significant and avoidable penalties. A felony conviction on your criminal record can prevent you from future employment and housing opportunities, as well as taking away your right to own a firearm – and this is all after you’ve served the terms of your sentence. Robbery charges are extremely serious, which is why Attorney Hough provides extremely serious criminal defense.
When we take your case, we launch a detailed investigation. We listen to your side of the story and account of events, review any and all available surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and assess police statements. We ensure your constitutional rights were not violated and that you receive fair and just representation.
Can I get my SC robbery conviction expunged?
In our state, it’s possible to have robbery charges expunged from your criminal record if your case is dismissed or you’re found not guilty at trial. Although there’s not a possibility for expungement with an armed robbery conviction, you may be eligible for a pardon, which can restore your constitutional rights. Attorney Hough can consult and work with you on criminal expungements or pardons.
Columbia and Charleston robbery defense lawyer
Robbery convictions carry heavy sentences. Our job is to prevent those penalties from happening to you. If you’ve been charged with a violent or non-violent robbery crime, you need experienced and dedicated legal help. At The Law Offices of A. Randolph Hough, P.A., we use our theft defense strategies to work to negotiate your charges down or have your case dismissed altogether. Let us use our inside knowledge of the local court system to your advantage. To schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Columbia or Charleston, please call 803-771-4119 or fill out our contact form.