Robbery occurs when one person takes another’s property by physical force or with the threat of physical force. Armed robbery occurs when a weapon, most often a gun, is used during a robbery. An armed robbery is a Class X felony in Illinois and carries hefty penalties.
When minors are caught with guns and involved in robberies they often receive probation or a relatively short sentence in the Juvenile Justice Center.
However, when young adults are charged with armed robbery between the ages of 18 and 22, the sentence they face is often a shock to them and their families. 720 ILCS 5/18-2 entitled armed robbery with a firearm is one of the most serious and frustrating charges for young people in their late teens/early 20s. It carries a minimum penalty of 21 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
As in all criminal cases, the prosecutors have the burden of proof and must prove each and every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Depending on the facts of each case there may be arguments that can be made for the defendant.
We recently represented a young man charged with armed robbery. He was allegedly involved in an armed robbery and was arrested only two hours later in his home. The police officers investigating the case never recovered any money or any weapons. There were other facts and circumstances that made the case weak as well.
The court ultimately found our client not guilty in large part because certain elements of the crime could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you or a loved one are charged with robbery, aggravated robbery, or armed robbery, we strongly encourage you to consult with an attorney. Call or email Richard Fenbert at Fenbert & Associates, LLC, for a free consultation.