Bentonville Robbery Lawyer 

Experienced Defense Against Robbery Charges in Arkansas

When you face a robbery charge in Bentonville, Arkansas, you need an experienced and knowledgeable legal team to help you navigate the complex legal landscape. At Nelson & Marks PLLC, we are committed to providing the robust defense you deserve when facing such serious charges. Our experienced Bentonville robbery lawyers understand the intricacies of the law, the severity of the consequences, and the stress you are going through. We are here to fight for your rights and provide you with the best legal representation possible.

Call Nelson & Marks PLLC today at (479) 202-4541 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our robbery attorney in Bentonville!

What is Robbery?

Robbery is a crime involving the unlawful taking of another person's property or belongings through force, intimidation, or the threat of violence. In Arkansas, robbery is considered a severe offense and a violent crime.

Robbery can take many forms, including armed robbery, carjacking, or bank robbery. The severity of the charges you may face depends on the circumstances of the crime. Our team at Nelson & Marks PLLC is well-versed in all types of robbery cases and will use our knowledge to build a strong defense tailored to your unique situation.

What are the Penalties for Robbery in Arkansas?

The penalties for robbery in Arkansas are substantial and can have a life-altering impact on the accused. These penalties can vary depending on the degree of the offense, the presence of aggravating factors, and other circumstances. Generally, robbery is classified into two degrees:

• First-Degree Robbery: This is the most severe form of robbery and is a Class Y felony. If convicted of first-degree robbery, you could face a minimum of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
• Second-Degree Robbery: Second-degree robbery is a Class B felony. If convicted, you may be sentenced to a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of twenty years.

It is crucial to remember that these are just the baseline penalties. The consequences can be much more severe if certain aggravating factors are present, such as using a weapon, injury to the victim, or previous convictions. Additionally, a robbery conviction may lead to a permanent criminal record, making it difficult to find employment or housing in the future.

Defenses Against Robbery Charges

Facing a robbery charge can be an overwhelming and frightening experience, but it is essential to understand that you have rights and options. At Nelson & Marks PLLC, our skilled Bentonville robbery lawyers will work to build a strong defense on your behalf. Some of the potential defenses we may employ include:

• Mistaken Identity: It is not uncommon for witnesses to make mistakes when identifying suspects. We will thoroughly investigate the evidence and challenge any inconsistencies or inaccuracies.
• Lack of Intent: To be convicted of robbery, the prosecution must prove that you intended to commit the crime. If we can demonstrate that you did not have the necessary intent, we may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
• Alibi: If you can provide a credible alibi, proving that you were not at the crime scene at the time of the robbery, we can use this to challenge the allegations against you.
• Duress: If you were forced to commit the robbery under threat of harm or death, we may be able to argue that you acted under duress, which can be a valid defense in some instances.
• Violation of Rights: In some cases, law enforcement may have violated your constitutional rights during the arrest or investigation. If this is the case, we will fight to have the evidence excluded.
• Insufficient Evidence: Our skilled attorneys will scrutinize the prosecution's evidence and challenge its sufficiency to support a conviction. 

What Is Aggravated Robbery?

Aggravated robbery is a more serious form of robbery that involves additional factors, such as the use of a deadly weapon or the infliction of serious harm. Under Arkansas law, a person commits aggravated robbery if they engage in a robbery while armed with a weapon, represent that they are armed, or inflict or attempt to inflict serious bodily injury on another person during the commission of the crime.

Robbery on its own is defined as taking another person’s property through the use of force or the threat of force. Aggravated robbery elevates the seriousness of the offense due to the involvement of weapons or violence. For example, if a person threatens a store clerk with a gun to take money, even if the gun is not fired, it qualifies as aggravated robbery. Similarly, if someone uses physical force that results in serious injury while committing robbery, this could also lead to aggravated robbery charges.

In Arkansas, aggravated robbery is classified as a felony. Convictions can result in sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years or life imprisonment, depending on the case's specific details​. The consequences of an aggravated robbery charge are significant, often involving not only long-term imprisonment but also substantial fines and a permanent criminal record.

It is essential for anyone facing such charges to understand the severity of the crime and the potential defenses. These might include proving the absence of a deadly weapon or challenging witness testimony regarding the use of force or threats. Legal guidance is critical in these situations to ensure the best possible outcome.