Philadelphia Armed Robbery Lawyer

The Penalties for Armed Robbery in Philadelphia

A first-degree felony conviction for armed robbery in Pennsylvania carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in state prison. However, the real picture is often far worse than the statutory maximum suggests. Under Pennsylvania’s Deadly Weapon Enhancement sentencing guidelines, the standard sentencing range for an armed robbery conviction can start at 15 to 30 years or more, depending on the defendant’s prior record and the specifics of the case. Parole eligibility may be limited, and the court has considerable discretion in how harshly it imposes a sentence.

Beyond incarceration, a conviction brings steep fines, probation or parole supervision upon release, and a permanent felony record that will affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, and exercise your civil rights, including your right to own or possess a firearm. The stakes could not be higher, and that is exactly why the legal team at Latta Law approaches every armed robbery case with the full attention and preparation it demands.

How Armed Robbery Differs From Other Robbery Charges

Not all robbery charges are the same. Under Pennsylvania law, robbery can be graded as a first, second, or third-degree felony depending on the level of harm or threat involved. A trusted Philadelphia robbery lawyer is critical to helping you with your robbery case; your freedom depends on it!

A first-degree felony robbery charge requires that the defendant caused or threatened serious bodily injury, or used a deadly weapon. This is the charge most people associate with the term “armed robbery.” A second-degree felony robbery charge, sometimes called a strong-arm robbery, involves bodily injury or the threat of bodily injury without a weapon and without the threat of serious bodily injury. A third-degree felony robbery typically involves minor physical force, such as snatching property from a person’s hands without threatening or injuring them.

Armed robbery, as a first-degree felony, sits at the top of this hierarchy. It is treated by prosecutors as one of the most serious offenses in the criminal code, and they will typically pursue the maximum available sentence unless a skilled defense attorney intervenes.

Common Defenses to Armed Robbery Charges in Philadelphia

Being charged with armed robbery does not mean you will be convicted. The prosecution carries the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are often significant weaknesses in the evidence that an experienced defense attorney can use to their advantage. At Latta Law, we examine every angle of the case from day one.

One of the most effective defenses in armed robbery cases is challenging the identification evidence. Many robbery prosecutions rely heavily on eyewitness testimony, which is notoriously unreliable. Witness identification errors are among the leading causes of wrongful convictions in the United States, according to data compiled by the Innocence Project. We scrutinize the procedures used during lineups and photo arrays and challenge any identification obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.

Surveillance footage is another key area we investigate. While video evidence can appear damning at first glance, it is frequently of poor quality, improperly interpreted, or taken out of context. We work with investigators to obtain and analyze all available footage, and when necessary, we consult with expert witnesses who can testify about the limitations of that evidence.

We also evaluate whether law enforcement followed proper procedures throughout the investigation and arrest. Unlawful stops, searches without a warrant or valid exception, and coercive interrogations can all lead to suppression of evidence that the prosecution needs to make its case. If your constitutional rights were violated at any point in the process, we will file the appropriate motions to have that evidence thrown out.

Other defenses we consider in armed robbery cases include lack of intent, alibi, mistaken identity, duress, and challenging the existence or presence of a deadly weapon. Every case is different, and we build a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.

Philadelphia Armed Robbery Cases and the Connection to Related Charges

Armed robbery rarely comes into the courtroom alone. Defendants frequently face a web of related charges that the prosecution uses to increase sentencing exposure and leverage in plea negotiations. It is common to see armed robbery charges alongside homicide charges if someone was killed during the alleged incident, or gun crime charges related to the weapon allegedly used.

In cases where drugs were involved, such as robberies of drug dealers or pharmacies, Philadelphia drug crimes charges may be added to the indictment as well. When a robbery occurs in a commercial setting, you might also see retail theft charges incorporated into the case. And in situations where an alleged victim was physically harmed, prosecutors frequently add assault charges to strengthen their hand.

If you are facing a DUI charge in addition to or in connection with another incident, our team handles those matters too.

Understanding how these charges interact, and how to fight them together as a unified case strategy, is a core part of what Latta Law does. We do not treat each charge in isolation. We look at the entire case and build a defense that addresses every front.

If you are facing armed robbery and additional charges, call us now for a free consultation. Time matters in these cases, and the earlier we get involved, the more we can do.