Robbery
In the state of Minnesota, a person convicted of a property crime faces severe penalties that could permanently alter their life. Not only will their reputation be tarnished, they could spend multiple years in prison and be forced to pay expensive fines.
This is why it is important to have a trial-proven criminal defense attorney fighting on your behalf to shield you from the collateral damage that could result from robbery allegations.
Lawyer for Robbery in Dakota County, Minnesota
Attorney James Blumberg is a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience representing clients accused of robbery, burglary, and other theft and property offenses throughout Dakota County, Minnesota, including Eagan, Burnsville, and Apple Valley.
If you have been arrested for robbery in Dakota County, do not take your case lightly. Serious penalties could be imposed on a person convicted of any robbery offense.
Contact James Blumberg Law at (952) 431-7758 to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your legal matter with a true Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
Simple Robbery
Under Minnesota Statute 609.24, a person may be charged with simple robbery when they knowingly take personal property belonging to another person, or, while in the presence of another person, uses or threatens the imminent use of force against them to overcome the person’s resistance or powers of resistance, or to compel acquiescence in, the taking of their property is guilty of robbery.
In order for a person to be convicted of simple robbery, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant used force to take property belonging to another person, or
- The defendant threatened to use force in order to take property belonging to another person.
The use of force can be displayed in many different forms, including, but not limited to, the defendant pushing, punching, or physically striking the accuser.
Threatened force can also be displayed in many different ways, such as a verbal threat made by the defendant or a physical gesture intended to intimidate the property holder.
Aggravated Robbery
The criminal offense of aggravated robbery has two classifications, first-degree aggravated robbery and second-degree aggravated robbery. Aggravated robbery differs from simple robbery because of the presence of a dangerous weapon, or the reasonable believe that a dangerous weapon is present.
Minnesota Statute 609.02 defines a “dangerous weapon” as any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm, or any item that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm in the manner it is used.
First Degree Aggravated Robbery
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 609.245 Subdivision 1, a person may be charged with first-degree aggravated robbery when, while committing a robbery, they were armed with a dangerous weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to lead the victim to reasonably believe it is a dangerous weapon, or an item capable of inflicting bodily harm.
The term “bodily harm” is defined under Minnesota law as physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
In order for a person to be convicted of first-degree aggravated robbery, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant intentionally took property belonging to another person (robbery),
- The defendant was armed with a dangerous weapon while committing the robbery, or
- The victim reasonably believed the defendant was armed with a dangerous weapon while committing the robbery.
Second Degree Aggravated Robbery
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 609.245 Subdivision 2, a person may be charged with second-degree aggravated robbery when, while committing a robbery, the person implies, by word or by act, they possess a dangerous weapon.
The term “bodily harm” is defined under Minnesota law as physical pain or injury, illness, or any impairment of physical condition.
In order for a person to be convicted of second-degree aggravated robbery, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant intentionally took property belonging to another person (robbery), and
- The defendant explicitly implied that he or she possessed a dangerous weapon.
As stated in the statute, implying that a person is armed with a dangerous weapon can be done by word, by act, or both. This implied act could be displayed by a person merely telling the victim they have a knife in their pocket or physically indicating that they have a knife in their pocket
Penalties for Robbery in Dakota County, MN
Simple Robbery: Simple robbery is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine up to $20,000, or both.
Second-degree aggravated robbery: Second-degree aggravated robbery is punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine of up to a $30,000, or both.
First degree aggravated robbery: First degree aggravated robbery is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $35,000, or both.
Minnesota Resources for Robbery Offenses
Minnesota Criminal Code: Chapter 609 – Visit this website for more information regarding robbery, aggravated robbery, and various other criminal statutes, including, the criminal penalties that result from being convicted of such crimes.
Crime Stoppers of Minnesota –The Crime Stoppers of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization committed to providing information to law enforcement, protecting the public, and empowering citizens through public awareness campaigns.
Lawyer for Robbery in Apple Valley, MN
When you have been accused of robbery in Dakota County, the stakes are high and the penalties resulting from a conviction will be severe. It is important to secure legal representation from an experienced Dakota County criminal defense attorney immediately following an arrest.
With over a decade of experience litigating criminal matters, Attorney James Blumberg of James Blumberg Law has zealously represented clients in Apple Valley, Lakeville, Farmington, Rosemount, and various cities throughout Dakota County, Minnesota.
Contact Attorney Blumberg at (952) 431-7758 or submit an online contact form to schedule your free initial consultation.