What Should You Do When Facing Violent Robbery Charges? Key Defence Strategies Explained

If you are facing violent robbery charges, you should ensure that you acquire legal representation that strives for a robust and well-thought-out defence strategy.

In this blog, we give information regarding the question ‘What should you do when facing violent robbery charges?’ Key defence strategies explained

JD Solicitors are a fully (SRA) regulated law firm with a team of highly qualified and specialist solicitors. Our solicitors recognise that being investigated or charged with a serious criminal offence is a daunting prospect.

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What is the process of being accused of a violent robbery?

The process of being accused of violent robbery in the UK is a complex legal matter that involves multiple steps. Below is a general overview of what may happen in some cases.

1. Arrest and Detention:

Arrest:

If the police suspect someone of committing a violent robbery, they can arrest them. This can happen at the scene of the crime, or later based on evidence or information gathered.

Detention:

Once arrested, the individual will be taken into custody and detained. They may be held at a police station for questioning and to allow for further investigation.

2. Charging and Court Appearance:

Charging:

If the police believe they have sufficient evidence to charge the individual with violent robbery, they will present the case to the CPS. The CPS will review the evidence and decide whether to proceed with charges.

Court Appearance:

If charges are filed, the individual will be brought before a magistrate’s court for a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the charges will be read out, and the individual will be asked to enter a plea (guilty or not guilty).

3. Trial:

Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court:

Depending on the severity of the alleged offence, the trial may take place in a magistrates’ court or a crown court.

Evidence and Arguments:

During the trial, both the prosecution and defence will present evidence and arguments. The prosecution will attempt to prove the individual’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, while the defence will aim to raise doubts about the evidence or present alternative explanations.

Verdict:

The jury, if present, or the magistrate, if the trial is in a magistrates’ court, will decide whether the individual is guilty or not guilty.

4. Sentencing:

Punishment:

If found guilty, the individual will be sentenced. The sentence can range from a fine to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence and the individual’s criminal history.

5. Appeals:

Challenge:

If the individual is convicted, they may have the right to appeal the verdict or sentence. An appeal is a request for a higher court to review the case and potentially overturn the original decision.

What should you do when facing violent robbery charges? Key defence strategies explained?

If you are facing charges of violent robbery, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from a qualified criminal solicitor as soon as possible. They can provide personalised guidance and representation throughout the legal process.

Here are 5 defence strategies that may be worth exploring.

Challenge the Identification

If the case relies heavily on eyewitness testimony, your attorney may challenge the reliability of the identification. This could involve questioning the witness’s memory, line-up procedures, or the lighting and conditions at the crime scene.

Secondly, If DNA evidence is presented, your attorney may argue that it is inconclusive or that the sample could have been contaminated. Though the plausibility of this, if true, is subject to the finer details of the case.

Establish an Alibi:

An alibi is key in proving your location at the time of the incident. If you have evidence of where you were at the time of the crime, such as receipts, time cards, or witness statements, your solicitor can use this to establish an alibi.

Additionally, It’s important to have witnesses or other evidence to support your alibi.

Claim Self-defence or Necessity

If you can prove that you acted in self-defence or to prevent harm to yourself or others, you may be able to avoid a conviction. It’s also important to demonstrate that the force you used was reasonable and necessary to protect yourself or others.

Challenge the Prosecution’s Evidence

Your solicitor may point out inconsistencies or weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, such as discrepancies in witness statements or gaps in the chain of custody for physical evidence.

In some cases, expert witnesses can be used to challenge the reliability of scientific or forensic evidence.

Negotiate a Plea Bargain

In certain circumstances, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea with the prosecution. This could involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge or a reduced sentence.

Remember, these are just some potential defence strategies. The specific approach will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. It’s essential to consult with a skilled solicitor to discuss your options and develop a tailored defence strategy.

What actually constitutes as a violent robbery?

Violent robbery is a serious crime that involves both theft and the use or threat of violence. This means that the offender not only takes property from another person but also uses or threatens to use force or violence to achieve their goal.

Examples of violent robbery include:

Armed robbery: This involves using a weapon, such as a knife, gun, or other dangerous object, to threaten or harm the victim.
Mugging: This is a type of robbery that occurs on the street or in a public place. The offender typically attacks the victim from behind or approaches them unexpectedly.
Home invasion: This involves breaking into a person’s home and robbing them while they are present.
Robbery of a person in a vehicle: This includes carjacking, where the offender forces the victim out of their car and steals it, or robbing a taxi driver or delivery driver while they are working.

The use or threat of violence can include:

Physical assault, such as hitting, kicking, or punching the victim.
Using a weapon to threaten or harm the victim.
Intimidating or scaring the victim into compliance.

It’s important to note that even if no physical violence occurs, the crime can still be classified as violent robbery if the offender uses threats or intimidation to achieve their goal.

Find legal representation today

If you are facing criminal charges, JD Solicitors Can Help. JD Solicitors is a respected criminal defence firm known for our successful track record. Our team of experienced solicitor s has extensive experience defending clients against a wide range of criminal accusations.

We represent clients throughout England and Wales, and we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.

We understand the urgency of seeking legal advice in criminal matters. That’s why we offer a 24-hour call-out service for those detained in police custody. This ensures we can address your needs immediately.

In this blog, we hope to have provided helpful information regarding the question ‘What should you do when facing violent robbery charges?’ Key defence strategies explained.

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