23 Feb The Consequences of Committing Robbery in Arizona
If you get arrested for robbery, you will be facing some serious consequences. Robbery is a felony, and felony sentences always come with prison terms. Depending on the circumstances and whether there were weapons involved, you could be facing up to 35 years in prison for committing robbery in Arizona. You could also be slapped with additional charges, like assault or burglary, that can make your sentence even longer.
Here’s how Arizona defines and punishes robbery, and why you need a good lawyer if you’re facing robbery charges.
The Three Degrees of Robbery in Arizona
Arizona breaks up robbery into three classifications: robbery, armed robbery, and aggravated robbery. Each one has a different definition and different consequences.
Robbery is a class 4 felony, with a prison term of 1 to 15 years.
Taking property from another person in their immediate presence and against their will is robbery. This can look like threatening someone or using force to get them to give up their property, or preventing them from resisting you while you take their property.
Aggravated Robbery is a class 3 felony, with a prison term of 2 to 25 years.
Arizona defines aggravated robbery as a robbery where one or more accomplices are present at the time.
Armed Robbery is a class 2 felony, with a prison term of 3 to 35 years.
To be charged with armed robbery the perpetrator or an accomplice must:
- Be armed with a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon
- Threaten the use of a deadly instrument
- Take possession or try to take possession of a weapon during the act of robbery
Is it Possible to Be Charged with Both Robbery and Assault?
Yes. If in the course of a robbery there was also an assault or a break-in, multiple charges could be filed. For example, you could be charged with both robbery and burglary if you broke into a building and took something. This is called “charge stacking,” and it is common for the prosecution to try to charge the defendant with as many crimes as possible. A good lawyer knows your rights, and will fight to get those additional charges dismissed or lessened.
If Charged with Robbery in Arizona You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer
All forms of robbery are felonies in Arizona, and a felony conviction can have lifelong consequences. First, you will have to serve a term of incarceration in prison. You’ll also have to pay heavy fines, fees, and restitution. A felony conviction also means losing civil rights—you won’t be allowed to vote, own a gun, or hold certain professional licenses.
A strong defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. They may be able to get the charges dropped or reduced to misdemeanor, so you don’t have to face the consequences of a felony conviction.
If you are facing robbery charges in Arizona, you need a certified defense attorney like Todd Coolidge on your side. He will give your case the personal attention it deserves, and he will work hard to secure the best outcome possible. Don’t trust your future to anyone else—contact Coolidge Law today to request a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (2/18/25). Photo by Nikita Pavlov on Unsplash.