You are generally guilty of second degree robbery in Washington if you take another person’s property by means of force, violence, or fear of injury. Second degree robbery is charged as a felony (as opposed to misdemeanor) and a conviction can result in a state prison term of up to 10 years. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you are facing any type of robbery charge.
How Does Washington Law Define Second Degree Robbery?
RCW 9A.56.210 is the Washington statute that sets forth the crime of second degree robbery. Per this law, you are guilty of second degree robbery if you commit robbery. You commit robbery if you:
- Take the personal property from another,
- Do so where the taking is against the “victim’s” will, and
- Your taking is committed by the use or threatened use of immediate force, violence, or fear of injury.
If you commit robbery and do so under aggravated circumstances (like with a gun or deadly weapon), then you are likely guilty of a more severe form of robbery called “robbery in the first degree.”
What are the Penalties?
Robbery in the second degree is a Class B felony under Washington law. A Class B felony is punishable by:
- Custody in state prison for up to 10 years, and/or
- A maximum fine of $20,000.
Can a Defendant Raise a Legal Defense?
Yes. You can challenge a second degree robbery charge with a legal defense. A common defense is for you to show that you did not take someone else property “against their will.” Maybe, for instance, the “victim” gave you consent or permission to take something.
Your criminal defense attorney can also try to say that you have an alibi, or you were somewhere else when the robbery was committed.
Further, your defense lawyer can try to demonstrate that the police either:
- Arrested you without probable cause,
- Coerced a confession, or
- Conducted an unlawful search and seizure.
If any of the above, your attorney can move to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Contact Black & Askerov for Help
While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge a robbery charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on a wide variety of robbery charges. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!
