It is alarming to realize that many home and office robberies are inside jobs - committed with the help of information from gardeners, maids, and employees. Robbers then monitor the premises for weeks and then strike when the time and the circumstances are right.
A lawyer presents the best defense
Robbery is a serious crime, particularly when force or violence is used. Federal firearm offenses are violations of regulations that control weapons such as firearms and knives too. All States have criminal laws concerning weapons and the carrying of guns.
When a criminal points a gun at you, it is a crime punishable by facing jail time. The consequence of a robbery charge can be devastating and severe because other aggravating factors exist, such as injury or even death. If you were to face a robbery charge, the best thing you can do is hire a lawyer.
The skilled Milwaukee criminal defense lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. can help you face a serious crime like robbery. Firearm offenses are full of complexities, heavy fines and prison sentences, and these experienced lawyers have decades of experience in this area of law to present the best defense possible.
First court appearance
Anyone charged with a robbery crime needs to go through a legal process. After being arrested, you will face your first court appearance. You will appear before a judge and will be notified of the particular charges that have been filed against you.
You will be asked to enter a plea. Your lawyer will tell you to enter a plea of not guilty. You won’t be penalized by the judge by entering a plea of not guilty as this is a legal step. At the arraignment, the judge will impose conditions that you must abide by. This is to avoid you being taken into custody while the case is pending.
Your attorney will advise you on any conditions of release and bail and you will also receive notice of your next court hearing.
Pre-trial hearing
While your case is pending, a pre-trial hearing will be scheduled so that the court can monitor the progress of the investigation. In some courts, the pre-trial hearing is a time to negotiate with the prosecutor on your case.
A designated negotiating prosecutor has the authority to discuss your case with your attorney and make decisions on it. A number of things can be decided on at a pre-trial hearing, but if the case will be proceeding to trial, the court schedules a date and also the possibility of a motion hearing.
Readiness hearing prior to trial
Hearings are scheduled prior to trial. Both parties advise the court of their availability for trial. If the case isn’t ready to proceed to trial, the case may be continued at this hearing and it could be resolved.
While most cases are resolved before trial, there are those cases that proceed to a full trial. If it does go to trial, you have the chance to decide between a jury trial and a bench trial. A jury trial consists of randomly selected people from the community who will decide if you are guilty or not of the crime. A bench trial is where the judge decides. Your lawyer may well recommend a jury trial.
Sentencing
Sentencing is done by judges regardless of whether you are found guilty or not at a jury trial. The prosecutor will make a recommendation to the judge at sentencing.
You and your lawyer will be able to make a sentencing recommendation to the judge bearing in mind that the judge always has the authority to impose the sentence they believe is appropriate in your case. The judge looks at aggravating factors to determine the sentence to hand down. In a robbery case, judges factor in the level of violence use and the value of the stolen property.