Expert: Robin Sexton - 4/16/2008

Question
well i wanna know if i can beat my case because they are charging me with strong armed robbery and we didn't take anything and i didn't touch anyone!! the guy was only hit twice and no one went through his pockets!! so can i still be charged with that!?? and since its my 1st time is it possible i can get a plea deal!??

Answer
Kris,

For the record I am not an attorney and I don't/ can't/ won't give legal advise.

Without knowing the specific statute, variables and court precedent in your state it is difficult for me to comment.  Generally however strong arm robbery is stealing something from someone by the use of physical force with no weapon involved,  OR ITS ATTEMPT.

So if a couple of guys are standing around and and threaten to beat someone up for their lunch money- that is strong armed robbery.  They don't even have to touch him.  The important aspects are what was said, what was implied, what was the intent, what did the victim belive.
Certainly a persons prior criminal history is taken into account, also their level of participation in the acts, their cooperation with the police and court, their attitude.

You really should be discussing this with your attorney


Good Luck


Robin