If you are facing robbery charges in Florida, there are several factors that may influence your potential sentence in the event of a conviction.
While judges consider mitigating factors to reduce the severity of punishment, they also consider any aggravating circumstances to increase penalties when determining an exact sentence.
What are aggravating circumstances?
The court can use aspects of the crime to justify implementing harsher sentences. In Florida robbery cases, aggravating factors may include:
- The value of the stolen property
- The level of intimidation or violence
- The use of a weapon during the commission of the crime
- The impact of the crime on the victim
- The criminal record of the defendant
What are the penalties for aggravated robbery?
According to the Florida Statutes, robbery by sudden snatching is a third-degree felony, which could result in a maximum of five years incarceration and a $5,000 fine. Unarmed robbery is a second-degree felony offense that carries up to a 15-year sentence and a $10,000 fine. However, the use of a weapon while committing a robbery constitutes a first-degree felony, which may result in a $10,000 fine and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Additionally, Florida courts may impose mandatory minimum prison sentences for crimes involving firearms. An offender may face 20 years behind bars for discharging a firearm during a robbery and 25 years if the discharge results in a serious injury or death.
Robbery is a serious crime with serious consequences. Understanding the Florida statutes and learning about your rights can help you determine the most appropriate defense strategies for your case.