Boulder Robbery Defense Attorney

What Are The Repercussions Of Being Charged With A Robbery?

Being charged with robbery can have serious ramifications on your personal and professional relationships, in addition to your freedom. Robbery is considered a serious crime in Colorado, and you face the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence and a permanent felony record. With so much on the line, you need an experienced Boulder robbery defense attorney. Our team at Dolan + Zimmerman LLP can help. Contact us today for a consultation.

Why Choose Our Firm?

• Our Boulder criminal defense lawyers will investigate the facts of your case from every angle, then carefully lay out effective options for your defense.
• We prioritize your privacy as we understand the impact a robbery case can have on your life.
• Our attorneys are always accessible and make it a point to remain in constant contact with our clients.

Why You Need a Skilled Attorney for Your Robbery Case

With your freedom on the line, it is critical to hire effective representation. If you are facing robbery charges in Colorado, a lawyer can be there to minimize the effects and to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. Through their experience, they will know what strategy gives you the best chance of winning your case.

We will develop an effective legal strategy and do everything we can to obtain an acquittal or a dismissal. While each case is unique and depends on the circumstances, there are common defenses that are used in robbery cases, including the following: 

Alibi/Mistaken Identity. Many robbery arrests stem from incidents that occur between strangers. For example, someone walking down the street is robbed by a person they’ve never met before. This opens the door to a lot of mistaken identifications, potentially leading to the arrest of an individual who had nothing to do with the crime. One of the most effective defenses to a robbery charge in this type of situation is an alibi defense: you couldn’t possible have committed the crime because you were somewhere else when it occurred. This defense is most effective when you have tangible proof that you weren’t at the scene of the crime when it occurred, such as video footage or credible witness testimony.

No Force, Threats, or Intimidation. One of the most important elements that must be proven in any robbery allegation is that you took or tried to take something by using force, threats, or intimidation. It’s not enough to show that you took something from someone or from their presence. For example, if you’re walking down the street and see someone’s cell phone sitting on the outdoor table next to them and you take it and run, this isn’t a robbery. However, if you take the phone and the owner grabs it back from you and a fight ensues and then you run away with the phone, this will be charged as a robbery. Even if you walk by the table and take the phone while saying “if you fight me for this phone, I’ll hit you,” that can be charged as a robbery because you’re threatening to use force. 

Insufficient Evidence. In any criminal trial, the prosecution has the burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime. To do this, they must prove every element – that you knowingly took the property of another person or their presence, and that you used force, threats, or intimidation. If there’s no video footage and no eyewitnesses to the crime, it could end up being your word against the victim’s word. If the police didn’t find the stolen item near you or in your possession, this bolsters your defense even more. You don’t have to prove that you didn’t commit the robbery; your attorney just has to poke enough holes in the state’s case to give the judge or jury reasonable doubt, which is done by showing that there is insufficient evidence to prove that you committed robbery.  

Keep in mind that there are different robbery statutes in Colorado: robbery, aggravated robbery, and robbery of a controlled substance. The defenses listed above are specific to a standard robbery allegation. The defenses to aggravated robbery and robbery of a controlled substance would be similar but have some nuances because of the different elements the state must prove.

Speak to a Boulder Robbery Defense Lawyer

No matter the circumstances of your case, we will help you build a solid defense strategy against these serious charges. Call 303-593-1874 or message Dolan + Zimmerman LLP online to schedule your free consultation.