If you have been charged with robbery with a firearm in Florida, then you may have a defense. False allegation and lack of intent are both defenses that are oftentimes successful when fighting a robbery case. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about providing a defense after you’ve been falsely accused, the lack of intent defense, or if you want to talk about how to beat your robbery with a firearm case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, robbery with a firearm is defined under Florida Statute 812.13(1)-(2)(a). A person commits robbery with a firearm when they intentionally and unlawfully take money or property from another person through the use of force, violence, assault or threat while in possession of a firearm.
Robbery with a firearm is a first-degree felony that is punishable by life, meaning it is punishable by up to life in prison, or up to life on probation and up to $15,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, and the length of the punishment can be to your entire life).
Under the 10/20/Life Statute (Florida Statute 775.087(2)(a)(1), if a person is convicted of robbery with a firearm then the court must impose at least the following minimum mandatory sentence:
- at least 10 years if the Defendant actually possessed the firearm during the robbery;
- at least 20 years if the Defendant discharged the firearm during the robbery; and
- at least 25 years and up to life in prison if someone is shot during the robbery.
In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of robbery with a firearm, you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences. Criminal convictions, especially convictions for violent charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with robbery with a firearm in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.