Robbery and aggravated robbery are felony charges in Kansas. If convicted, a defendant could go to prison for over 20 years, depending on their record.

Robbery charges in Kansas are serious criminal offenses that can dramatically impact the future of defendants. A conviction may result in decades in prison and hundreds of thousands in fines, depending on the suspect’s criminal record.

As with any felony-level crime, it could make getting a job and finding housing much more difficult. Additionally, someone convicted of robbery may be required to register as a violent offender for the rest of their life.

However, defendants can fight robbery charges with the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney in Kansas. Experienced defense attorneys are knowledgeable of effective strategies to lessen the punishment or avoid prison time.

Types of robbery charges

There are two types of robbery charges under Kansas statute: robbery and aggravated robbery.

Robbery is defined as knowingly taking property from another person or in the presence of another person by force or the threat of bodily harm. It’s a level 5 felony with a possible sentence of 31 to 136 months in prison and a fine up to $100,000.

Aggravated robbery is defined as a robbery that was committed by a person who was either armed with a dangerous weapon or who inflicted bodily harm during the robbery. It’s a level 3 felony with a possible sentence of 55 to 247 months in prison and a fine up to $300,000.

Robbery vs. theft vs. burglary

The term robbery is sometimes used synonymously with theft and burglary, but they’re distinctly different crimes with different possible punishments under Kansas law.

• Robbery involves using force or threats of physical harm to take someone else’s property. Any type of robbery is a felony.
• Theft is taking another person’s property or services through unauthorized control, deception, or threat. Depending on the circumstances of the case and the value of the property, theft may be a felony or a misdemeanor.
• Burglary is entering or staying in someone else’s home, vehicle, or building with the intent to commit a felony, theft, or sexually motivated crime. Any type of burglary is a felony.

Legal defenses against robbery charges

Someone accused of robbery or aggravated robbery has various legal defenses, which may help them avoid prison or beat the charges altogether. Some common defenses include mistaken identity, lack of a weapon or injury, and questioning whether the robbery was successful.

• Mistaken identity: An attorney might argue whether police arrested the correct person. For example, a robbery suspect’s face may have been disguised by a mask or the crime could have occurred in a dimly lit place, making it difficult for witnesses to identify the suspect.
• Lack of a weapon or injury: A person charged with aggravated robbery faces far more prison time than someone charged with robbery. To lower the charges, an attorney may call into question whether their client used a weapon or injured the victim, which are key to proving an aggravated robbery case.
• Unsuccessful robbery: An attorney may argue their client didn’t actually obtain any of the victim’s possessions during the robbery, making it an attempted robbery. This could lower the defendant’s prison sentence or help them avoid prison.

If you’ve been charged with robbery in Kansas, it’s important to immediately contact an attorney. Jeremy D. Koop has years of experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney in Kansas, gaining insight into the most effective ways to fight robbery charges. Contact the Koop Law Firm for an aggressive and skilled defense.