Robbery Specialist Solicitors

Pre-charge bail

If you are interviewed by the police as part of a robbery investigation, you may be released on pre-charge bail. This is also simply referred to as being released on bail.

While you are on pre-charge bail, you are likely to be subject to certain bail conditions. These could restrict where you are able to go, or place requirements on you to attend the police station on a certain day.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail, please use the links provided below:

• Pre-charge bail and Released Under Investigation (RUI)
• On Bail But Not Charged - What Does It Mean?
• How long can you be on bail without charge UK?

Fees and funding

We are always open when it comes to legal fees.

Legal aid public funding will be available in some cases, based on the seriousness of the case justifying the grant of public funding.

For clients who do not qualify for legal aid public funding, the alternative option will be to fund their case privately.

To find out more about the way our robbery defence lawyers handle fees (both legal aid public funding and private fees), please use the links provided below:

• Our Fees – Crime Cases
• Do I Qualify for Criminal Legal Aid?
• Bespoke Crime Private Fee Service
• Will Your Private Legal Costs Increase?
• Do We Offer Free Consultations?

Related offences

Please note that our expert robbery solicitors also provide advice and support with various related offences, including:

• Serious and Violent Crime
• Armed Robbery
• Assault and Violent Crime

Common questions about robbery

What is considered a robbery?

In general terms, robbery occurs where a theft is carried out or attempted and where force is used or threatened in order to do so, or where the victim or victims are put in fear of being subjected to force. The force is threatened or used immediately before or after the theft.

There are three main types of robbery offences you may be charged with, depending on whether the target was a business or other commercial operation or a private residence, and the level of planning that went into the robbery.

What are the types of robbery offences?

Robbery – street and less sophisticated commercial – This covers robberies that take place in public places, including shops, taxis and other commercial premises, where there was little or no planning behind the offence.

Robbery – professionally planned commercial – This type of offence covers robberies targeting commercial premises, but where there is a greater degree of planning behind the crime.

Robbery – dwelling – This offence relates to robberies targeting private residences.  Normally charged as aggravated burglary

What are the penalties for robbery?

Robbery – street and less sophisticated commercial – Standing sentencing will range from a community order up to 12 years’ custody, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment for worst cases.

Robbery – professionally planned commercial – Standard sentencing will range from 18 months to 20 years’ custody, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

Robbery – dwelling – Standing sentencing will range from 1 year to 16 years’ custody, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

Various factors will affect the seriousness of a sentence for robbery, including your level of involvement in the offence, the property taken, the severity of the force used or threatened, and whether the victims were targeted due to their perceived vulnerability.  Relevant factors also include whether you have any previous convictions and your personal circumstances.

What are my rights when arrested for robbery?

If you are arrested or interviewed under caution in connection to a robbery offence, you need to be aware of your rights so you can be sure not to say or do anything that may harm your defence.

Please remember, you do not have to answer any questions and the police are required to caution you by using the words:

“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court.  Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

You should never answer any police questions without a solicitor present.

At the time of your arrest, the police officers involved must explain the reason for your arrest and the crime they believe you have committed.

Once you have been interviewed by the police, you could be given a caution if you are a youth, meaning you are free to leave and will not appear in court, or you will be charged with a specific criminal offence and kept in custody or released on bail.

If you are charged with a robbery offence and released on bail, a date will be set for your court appearance.

What is required to secure a robbery conviction?

When a robbery conviction, the first question is whether the prosecution can prove the case against you. 

A critical feature of a robbery offence is the use or threat of force, so failure by the prosecution, for example, to show that force was used or threatened, or that the victim was put in fear of immediate force, will be fatal to its case. If the prosecution cannot prove that there was a theft or attempted theft, then its case will also fail.

What defence is there against a charge of robbery?

There are various potential defences against a charge of robbery, the availability of which will depend on your circumstances.

As discussed above, common defences are likely to centre around the prosecution’s case and what evidence they are able to present. It would be a valid defence to show that no force was used or threatened, or that a theft or attempted theft took place.

Additional defences may include situations where you were or may have been acting under duress. To discuss the here are other defences available and you should contact our criminal lawyers to discuss them if you are arrested or prosecuted. Frequently the prosecution case may be based on identification evidence.

How can you have a sentence for robbery lowered?

If you are unable to avoid a robbery conviction, you will understandably want to ensure that you can secure the least serious sentence. Even where an offence has alleged to have been committed, it is often possible to secure a lighter sentence by pleading guilty to a lesser offence, such as common assault, theft or burglary.

If you plead guilty or are found guilty, considerable work is involved in securing you the lowest sentence possible.  Sentencing will depend on whether your level of culpability for the offence is considered high, medium or lesser. Examples of lesser culpability for a robbery offence might include if you performed a limited role under the direction of others, only participated in the offence due to coercion, intimidation or exploitation, or where the threat or use of force was minimal.

As sophisticated, pre-planned robberies generally carry more serious penalties, showing that the robbery was spontaneous and unplanned may also help to secure a lesser sentence.

Our criminal defence solicitors have extensive experience with defending clients charged with robbery offences, so can ensure no potential angle of defence or critical detail is overlooked, helping you to secure the best available outcome for your circumstances.

What does a robbery trial involve?

During a criminal trial, a plea hearing will take place from the outset, with the defendant being expected to enter a plea to the charges against them.

If you plead not guilty, an adult court trial will be set. During the crown court trial, the defendant will have representation from a criminal defence solicitor or barrister, with a prosecution represented by an advocate on the other side. A jury of 12 individuals will be selected to oversee the case.

After both sides present their case and evidence is presented, the jury make a final decision as to whether the defendant is guilty or not. There will also be other legal arguments at stage of the case.

Contact our robbery solicitors today

If you are due to attend the police station for interview for allegations of robbery, or  to receive specialist advice about a robbery offence or any other criminal matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• Brent & Camden London Office:020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office:0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office:  0121 614 3333
• City of London:0207 624 7771 our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for robbery offences

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number 07836 577 556 and, and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.