Indianapolis Robbery Defense Attorney

Exercise your right to remain silent immediately. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your defense.

The key difference is the use of force or fear. Theft (larceny) is taking property without consent, while robbery is taking property from a person using violence, intimidation, or threats of harm.

Armed robbery involves the use of a deadly weapon (like a gun or knife) or the pretense of having one during the crime. This is considered an aggravating factor and carries significantly harsher penalties than simple robbery.

Penalties vary by state and severity but often include lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, restitution to victims, and a permanent felony record. Armed robbery can result in mandatory minimum prison terms of 10-20 years or more.

Yes. A skilled defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges to lesser offenses like theft, assault, or trespassing, especially if the evidence of force or weapon use is weak.

Common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, ownership of the property (claim of right), or lack of force/fear used during the incident. Alibis and challenging witness credibility are also standard strategies.

“Beating” a charge often involves suppressing illegally obtained evidence, exposing inconsistencies in witness statements, or proving you were not present at the scene (alibi). Your lawyer will investigate every detail to create reasonable doubt.

The prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you took property from another person against their will using force or threats. Evidence often includes surveillance video, witness testimony, DNA, or possession of stolen items.

We analyze police reports for procedural errors, interview witnesses, consult forensic experts, and negotiate with prosecutors. Our goal is to get charges dismissed, reduced, or to win an acquittal at trial.

After arrest, you will be booked and held for an arraignment where charges are read and bail is set. It is critical to have counsel present at the arraignment to argue for lower bail or release on your own recognizance.

Yes. Strong-arm robbery (often called mugging) involves using physical force without a weapon. It is typically charged as a felony and carries serious prison time, though less than armed robbery.

Sometimes. Voluntary intoxication is generally not a complete defense, but it can be used to argue that the defendant could not form the specific “intent” required to commit a robbery, potentially lowering the charge to a lesser crime.

Eyewitness testimony is often unreliable due to stress, poor lighting, or cross-racial identification issues. We aggressively cross-examine witnesses and may use experts to demonstrate how memory can be flawed.

In many jurisdictions, using a fake or toy gun still qualifies as armed robbery if the victim reasonably believed it was real and felt threatened. However, it can sometimes be a mitigating factor during sentencing.

We provide aggressive, experience-driven representation. We understand the high stakes of violent crime accusations and work tirelessly to challenge the prosecution’s case, protect your freedom, and secure the best possible outcome.