15 Apr Armed Robbery in Arizona: What a Conviction Means
There was a recent arrest in Gilbert involving the armed robbery of a 12-year-old-boy.
The boy was held at gunpoint and told to hand over his e-bike. His description of the robbers and his call to 911 helped to identify one of the suspects quickly. The 18-year-old suspect was booked on several charges, one of which was armed robbery.
Armed robbery is a felony in Arizona, and because it’s classified as a dangerous crime, a conviction almost always means a prison sentence.
Consequences of an Armed Robbery Conviction
Here is the definition of armed robbery, according to Arizona’s penal code:
“A person commits armed robbery if…[that] person or an accomplice:
- Is armed with a deadly weapon or a simulated deadly weapon.
- Uses or threatens to use a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument or a simulated deadly weapon.
- Takes possession of or attempts to take possession of a deadly weapon.”
Incarceration Is Usually Mandatory
Armed robbery is a class 2 felony with very serious consequences, including a prison sentence. The length of the sentence will depend on the number of previous convictions.
For example, sentences for armed robbery are usually:
- 3 to 12 years for first-time offenders
- 4 to 23 years for a second offense
- 10 to 35 years for a three or more offenses
Is There Any Possibility of Probation or Parole?
While probation is possible for some class 2 felonies, it is extremely unlikely for a “dangerous offense” like armed robbery. Dangerous crimes typically have a mandatory minimum prison sentence. And most people convicted of armed robbery are not even eligible for parole in Arizona.
Financial Consequences
- Fines: A felony conviction could land you fines as high as $150,000.
- Fees: Court fees are difficult to predict and will change from case to case, but they add up quickly. There are fees for filing paperwork and fees for your time behind bars, as well as fees for court-appointed lawyers.
- Restitution: This amount of money is determined by a judge and must be paid to the victim of the crime. For armed robbery, this could mean paying for items damaged during the robbery, the cost of the stolen goods (if unrecoverable), medical care for injuries, emotional distress, as well as punitive fines.
Social Consequences
Along with incarceration and fines, there are social consequences as well. Since an armed robbery conviction means mandatory prison time, you will be away from your partner, children, and friends.
Convicted felons often report:
- Difficulty finding housing or employment
- Divorces and changes to child custody agreements
- Former friends avoiding or ghosting
- Loss of professional licences and government benefits
If You’re Facing Armed Robbery You Need a Criminal Defense Attorney
Armed robbery is a very serious charge, and to fight it you’ll need an attorney who is certified in criminal defense. They will stand up for your rights, build a strong defense strategy, negotiate with the prosecution, and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
If you want a better chance at getting your charges reduced or dropped, contact Coolidge Law today to schedule a consultation.
Photo by Tom Def on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 4/14/26.