All of the state in the USA have strict laws forbidding crime but they are rather stringent in the state of Texas. Once you are arraigned in court on charges of, say, robbery, you’ll get the illusion that the state is against you. Your only defense will be your defense lawyer. So what exactly do the laws in Texas say about robbery and aggravated robbery? Well, let’s take a look.
Texas & Robbery Cases
Robbery in Texas is considered to be a crime of violence. I know, you might bring in the aspect of theft. However, due to the associated violence or the threat of violence, it tends to be penalized more severely compared to the typical theft crime.
Burglary Laws and Penalties
In Texas, robbery is classified under 2nd degree felonies and it carries a potential prison sentence of 20 years with fines which can reach up to $10000. So as to gain a conviction against a robbery suspect, the prosecution must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you indeed did one of the following: In addition to the commission of a theft, you also:
- Knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly caused bodily injury to another, or
- Knowingly or intentionally threatened or placed another in fear of imminent bodily death or injury.
Aggravated Robbery
Unlike robbery, aggravated robbery is a far more grave charge. It is considered a 1st degree felony and it carries with it a sentence of up to 99 years in prison. It also carries a potential fine of $10000. So who is up for such a charge? If you are accused of committing a robbery, as outlined above, and in commission of the robbery, you:
- Cause serious bodily injury to another.
- Exhibit or use a deadly weapon or
- Cause bodily injury to another, or threaten or place another in fear of injury or death when the person is
either disabled or 65 years old.
Regardless of the robbery charge you may be facing, you will be up against severe penalties which may alter your life forever. Aside from serving time, you will have to cope with the lifetime stress of bearing a violent criminal conviction on your record and this may affect your ability to find employment.
But all is not lost. In the constitution, protections are built for you in the form of rights. A good defense lawyer like Sandra J. Oballe will ensure that those rights are protected and also mitigate the effects of the charges on your life.
