Tacoma, WA Robbery Defense Attorney

Experienced Defense Lawyer for Robbery Charges in Tacoma

If you are accused of taking another person's property by force, you could end up facing robbery charges in Washington. This is a felony crime, and depending on the circumstances behind the arrest, a conviction could lead to years in prison. If you have been accused of this crime, do not wait to seek legal counsel. Get in contact with a Tacoma, Washington robbery defense lawyer.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we approach every case with the expectation that it may go to trial, preparing strategic defenses based on the available evidence. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, and he is well-respected in the legal community for his strong arguments in court.

Elements of a Robbery Charge in Washington

Robbery in Washington involves more than simply taking property. The prosecution must establish several key components. First, there must be an unlawful taking of property. Second, the property must have been taken from a person or in that person's presence. Third, the accused must have used force, violence, or intimidation to obtain or retain the property. Finally, the force or threat must have been connected to the taking itself.

These elements can become highly contested. Disputes often arise over whether force was actually used, whether the alleged victim reasonably felt threatened, or whether the accused intended to commit a robbery at all.

Preparing a Defense Against First-Degree Robbery Charges in Tacoma

First-degree robbery is one of the most serious theft-related offenses in Washington. It is typically charged when the state alleges that the accused was armed with a deadly weapon, displayed what appeared to be a firearm or weapon, or caused serious injury during the incident. As a Class A felony, it carries the potential for life in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

Defending against this charge requires a careful review of the evidence and the prosecution's theory. In some cases, the defense may challenge whether a weapon was actually present or whether it was capable of causing serious harm. Alternatively, the focus may be on whether the accused intended to commit a robbery or whether the situation has been mischaracterized.

Witness identification can also be a major issue. High-stress situations can lead to mistaken or unreliable identifications, especially when events unfold quickly. Surveillance footage, phone records, and forensic evidence may either support or contradict those accounts. Each piece of evidence must be examined in context.

A defense strategy may also involve challenging how the investigation was conducted. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the case, certain evidence could be excluded from court.

How Theft Affects Robbery Charges

Theft and robbery are closely related, but they are not the same offense. Theft generally involves taking property without permission, while robbery requires the added element of force or intimidation. Even so, theft can still play a role in a robbery case.

In some situations, prosecutors may file separate theft-related charges alongside a robbery charge, particularly if there are multiple alleged victims or separate incidents. This can increase the overall exposure a person faces in court. Each charge may carry its own penalties, and convictions can be stacked depending on the circumstances.

Because theft and robbery charges can overlap, it is important to examine how each allegation fits into the broader case. A defense may focus on separating these claims, challenging whether the elements of each offense are truly met, or arguing that the facts support a lesser charge rather than robbery.

Meet With a Tacoma, Washington Robbery Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we understand the weight of a robbery accusation. We provide strategic, aggressive representation for clients facing violent crime charges. Call 123-456-7890 or contact our Tacoma, WA robbery defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.