Houston Aggravated Robbery Attorneys

Facing an aggravated robbery charge can alter the course of a person’s life overnight. Criminal charges like these are taken very seriously in Texas. Prosecutors throughout Harris County often seek significant penalties in violent felony cases. At Haddad & Timmons PLLC, our Houston aggravated robbery lawyers understand how intimidating these accusations can be. We know how critical it is for individuals to know their rights and legal options.

About Haddad & Timmons PLLC

Haddad & Timmons PLLC is a Houston criminal defense law firm that focuses on providing vigorous defense to those facing serious felony charges throughout Harris County. Our attorneys are former prosecutors and seasoned trial lawyers who understand how aggravated robbery cases are investigated and tried in Texas.

We know that criminal charges rarely tell the whole story. The realities of an aggravated robbery case often leave the question of mistaken identity, debated intent, witness reliability, and criminal intent. The Houston aggravated robbery attorneys at Haddad & Timmons PLLC work to present a different picture than what the state alleges.

Felony robbery cases in Houston are often handled through the Harris County Criminal Justice Center on Franklin Street in Houston. This courthouse houses prosecutors who handle many of the most serious criminal offenses throughout the county. When you’re up against the State, you need aggressive and fearless representation by an experienced trial attorney.

If Things Go Bad, Call Haddad & Timmons.

Former Prosecutors. Proven Defenders. Fighting for Your Future.

schedule a consultation

Understanding Aggravated Robbery in Texas

In Texas, robbery and aggravated robbery are defined by Penal Code § 29. According to this law, robbery occurs when someone intentionally or knowingly threatens or puts another person in fear of immediate bodily harm or death while committing theft. When certain aggravating factors are present, the state may file charges for aggravated robbery.

Aggravated robbery is defined as occurring when a person allegedly commits robbery with one or more of the aggravated elements listed below:

• Causes serious bodily injury to another.
• Uses or exhibits a deadly weapon.
• Targets certain individuals, such as elderly or disabled persons.

In certain aggravated robbery cases, multiple people can be charged with aggravated robbery, even if only one person exhibited a weapon. Under Texas law, accomplice liability can apply in certain situations. It is not uncommon for someone to be charged with a felony even if they did not personally use force or a firearm during the commission of a crime.

The violent crime rate in Houston, TX, is 5.059 per 1,000 residents. In the city, the robbery rate is 0.8769 per 1,000 residents. This costs the city about $209.7 million each year. The prosecution in Harris County takes these cases seriously. Having a reputable and confident Houston aggravated robbery attorney to represent you is essential in obtaining a more favorable outcome in your case.

Aggravated Robbery Penalties

Aggravated robbery is usually charged as a first-degree felony crime in Texas. Convictions can lead to serious consequences that can change lives forever. Some possible punishments for aggravated robbery are listed below:

• From five to 99 years or life in prison
• Up to $10,000 in fines
• Loss of firearm rights
• Immigration consequences
• Increased penalties if you have prior convictions

Judges and prosecutors tend to treat aggravated robbery very seriously because it is categorized as a violent crime. Individuals accused of robbery may also face high bail amounts or strict release conditions pending a resolution of their case. Prosecutors in Texas commonly rely on video surveillance, witness testimony, cellphone location information, social media, and forensic evidence when building an aggravated robbery case.

However, just because the State believes they have evidence to prove a case does not always mean they do. Identifications can be wrong, witnesses may not be credible, and forensic evidence is not always reliable. When you hire an aggravated robbery attorney with experience refuting evidence, they can help bring the weaknesses in the case evidence against you to light.

Non-Criminal Penalties

An aggravated robbery charge can impact more than just your criminal case. Long before a case is dismissed or results in a conviction, individuals may face harm to their reputation, loss of relationships with family and friends, and the loss of their job and respect in their professional circle.

Many employers run criminal background checks on potential employees. Having a pending aggravated robbery charge on your record could make it difficult to find employment, housing, or certain professional licenses.

Students or juveniles involved in aggravated robbery cases may also face school disciplinary hearings or lose access to scholarship opportunities. Non-citizens who are charged with aggravated robbery may face immigration consequences, such as deportation. Gun rights can also be affected by a felony conviction.

The mental strain many people face is often understated. Dealing with the pressure of upcoming court dates, media attention, and the unknown can take a huge toll on the accused and their family. Many of these effects can arise before the criminal case is concluded.

Defense Strategies in Aggravated Robbery Cases

Every case is different, and many defenses to aggravated robbery depend on the specific evidence and facts related to the arrest. One defense is simply mistaken identity. An eyewitness may sincerely think they picked the right person out of a lineup, but still be incorrect. Video evidence, alibis, and inconsistencies with witness descriptions can play key roles in a defense strategy.

In other cases, it could be beneficial to challenge whether a robbery occurred in the first place. This includes challenging whether force or threats of violence were used. The prosecutor has the burden of proving every element of aggravated robbery beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes proving that the defendant threatened or used force or a deadly weapon.

Prosecutors also need to prove criminal intent. For instance, the state must prove that the alleged actions occurred in conjunction with theft. If intent cannot be established, it can affect the end result of a case.

Some robbery cases involve violations of the defendants’ constitutional rights. Illegal searches and seizures, violations of police procedures, and violations of a defendant’s rights can impact certain evidence from being used against a defendant.

Hire an Aggravated Robbery Attorney

Facing a first-degree felony charge brings a host of uncertainties. Many people fear jail time, what this means for their families, and how this allegation impacts their future.

Aggravated robbery investigations can be complicated and move very quickly. Prosecutors may already be working on their case as soon as you’re arrested. They’ll interview witnesses, collect video surveillance, and examine digital evidence. Your decisions made early on in a felony case can greatly influence its direction.

Whether someone is being accused of being involved in a robbery, brandishing a weapon, or associating with another person who committed an alleged crime, it’s important to understand what you’re up against. For a lot of people, hiring a Houston aggravated robbery lawyer is the first step toward protecting their rights and letting their side of the story be heard.

Haddad & Timmons PLLC, Experienced Houston Aggravated Robbery Lawyers

If you were charged with aggravated robbery, Haddad & Timmons PLLC can help you in the legal process. Contact us to learn how our Houston aggravated robbery attorneys can aggressively represent you.