Home-Invasion Robbery Attorney in Tampa, FL
If you have been charged with home-invasion robbery, you are facing a fight for your freedom. Penalties for this crime are severe in Florida, including life in prison under some circumstances. Make sure you have qualified legal representation before making any decisions regarding your case.
If you or a loved one are facing home-invasion robbery charges in the Tampa, FL, area, call Armando Edmiston, an experienced Tampa home-invasion robbery criminal defense lawyer, today.
Home-Invasion Robbery: Robbery Generally in Tampa, FL
By Florida law, robbery is defined as the intentional and unlawful taking of property or money from another person by force, violence, assault or fear. The simplest form of robbery, robbery without a weapon (also known as strong-arm robbery) is a second-degree felony punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Armed robbery, meanwhile, is a first-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 30 years if the weapon used in the robbery is non-deadly. Armed robbery with a deadly weapon is also a first-degree felony but comes with a maximum sentence of life in prison. If the deadly weapon is a firearm or explosive, penalties are enhanced further.
Home-Invasion Robbery: Definition and Penalties in Tampa, FL
Home-invasion robbery occurs when an offender breaks into a dwelling to commit a robbery while the occupants are inside. It is treated as a more serious crime with more serious penalties than simple robbery. Penalties are enhanced further when a weapon is used, and even further when a firearm or explosive plays a role. Home-invasion robbery is a first-degree felony. If no weapon is used, a maximum sentence of 30 years applies, along with a mandatory minimum sentence of almost three years. If a non-deadly weapon is used, the same maximum applies, but the minimum sentence is four years. If a deadly weapon is used, the maximum sentence is life in prison. If the deadly weapon is something other than a firearm or explosive, a five-and-a-half-year minimum sentence will be imposed. But if the robbery is committed using a firearm or explosive, a special Florida statute imposes severe minimum sentences. Conviction for using a firearm or explosive in a home-invasion robbery comes with a minimum of 10 years. If the firearm or explosive discharges, the minimum is 20 years. If the firearm or explosive discharges and kills or seriously injures someone, the minimum is 25 years.
Home-Invasion Robbery: Other Types of Robbery in Tampa, FL
There are a few other types of robbery, including robbery by sudden snatching and carjacking, that come with similar penalties. Robbery by sudden snatching occurs when an offender tries to steal money or property off another person and the other person becomes aware of the theft as it happens. This is a third-degree felony with a maximum sentence of five years unless the offender carries a deadly weapon other than a firearm or explosive, in which case it is a second-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years. If a firearm or explosive is used, however, enhanced penalties apply, and a mandatory sentence of 10 years, 20 years or 25 years to life will be imposed, depending on whether the weapon discharged (if not, 10 years; if so, 20) and whether it seriously injured or killed someone (if so, 25 years to life). Carjacking, meanwhile, is a first-degree felony. When committed without a weapon, this is punishable by as many as 30 years. Carjacking with a deadly weapon comes with a maximum sentence of life. If the weapon is a firearm or explosive, a 10-, 20- or 25-year minimum will be imposed.