Wheeling Armed Robbery Lawyer

Armed Robbery Attorney In Wheeling, WV

An armed robbery allegation is one of the most serious charges an individual can face. This charge goes beyond simple theft, as it is a violent felony. If you or a loved one living in West Virginia faces such an accusation, immediately secure a Wheeling, WV, armed robbery lawyer.

Think of the consequences of being accused of committing armed robberies at The Highlands Shopping Center. Or perhaps, someone is connecting you to incidents that took place at a Centre Market business. In either situation, you need a qualified attorney to defend your freedom, present, and future.

Why Choose Meadows Law PLLC

The Meadows Law PLLC legal team has spent years defending individuals living in West Virginia who are accused of committing serious crimes. Our lead attorney is a former United States Marine who brings his warrior spirit, dedication, and knack for protecting others to every case.

He believes that everyone deserves a powerful, strategic defense. He is prepared to fight for you at the Ohio County Courthouse on Chapline Street, if necessary, so your rights are upheld and your story gets heard fairly.

Understanding Armed Robbery in Wheeling

Statistics revealed that robbery offenses comprised roughly 22% of violent crimes in the U.S. However, robberies only constituted nearly 7% of violent crimes in West Virginia.

West Virginia defines robbery as depriving another person of money or property by force, through the threat of force, or by instilling fear in the victim. When a person uses a dangerous weapon to carry out such acts, the charge increases to first-degree robbery, referred to as armed robbery.

Differentiating between the levels of robbery is imperative because the use of a weapon raises the severity of the possible penalties. Per West Virginia’s armed robbery laws, a dangerous weapon may be any of the following objects:

• Loaded or unloaded firearms
• Knives or other instruments with blades
• Blunt objects, like bats or pipes, are used in a threatening fashion
• A toy gun, as long as it was used to make the victim think it was real

In an armed robbery case in Wheeling, the prosecutor does not have to prove that your intent was to harm the victim, just that you used a weapon to commit the theft. The core components of armed robbery are the taking of another party’s property, using force or fear to facilitate it, and involving a dangerous weapon.

A conviction can result in severe armed robbery penalties. Considering the level of such charges, it can be beneficial to secure a well-versed Wheeling armed robbery attorney who can create an effective defense.

The Legal Process for an Armed Robbery Case

An armed robbery case starts with an arrest, following which the prosecutor formally files charges against you. At the arraignment, the initial court appearance, you hear the charges against you and can enter a plea. Bail is also set at this stage and is likely to be a high amount, considering the violent nature of armed robbery charges.

The case moves to the discovery phase after the arraignment. Here, your attorney receives the evidence the prosecution has compiled against you. This can include the following:

• Witness statements and police reports
• Surveillance footage
• Fingerprints, DNA, and other physical evidence
• Records of statements you gave law enforcement

Once your lawyer reviews all the discovery materials, they can file any necessary pre-trial motions. These motions allow them to challenge the legality of the police’s investigation. They can do this by filing a motion to suppress illegally obtained evidence.

The case then proceeds to a jury trial if a plea agreement is not reached at this phase.

FAQs

What Is the Sentence for Armed Robbery in West Virginia?

The sentence for armed robbery in West Virginia is no fewer than 10 years for first-degree robbery. Since there is no maximum limit, judges have discretion to order a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

The sentence typically aligns with the circumstances of the case, the accused’s criminal history, and the harm the victim incurred. The sentence for second-degree robbery is confinement in a correctional facility for no fewer than 5 years but no more than 18 years.

Can Armed Robbery Charges Be Dropped in West Virginia?

Armed robbery charges can be dropped in West Virginia, but this change requires an effective legal defense. If your defense attorney successfully argues that the evidence against you is insufficient or was obtained illegally, charges may be dismissed.

If your attorney discredits key witnesses or these witnesses are no longer available, this can also get your charges dropped. The prosecution may also drop charges in the case of a plea deal to a lesser offense.

How Much Do You Have to Steal for It to Be a Felony in West Virginia?

How much you steal does not determine if it is a felony in West Virginia. Methods like fear or force get a crime classified as a felony. In essence, whether you take one dollar or thousands, it is a felony as long as you used threats or force.

However, in cases of simple theft or larceny, this charge becomes a felony known as grand larceny if the accused steals money or goods with a value of $1,000 or more.

How Can You Beat a Robbery Charge in West Virginia?

You can beat a robbery charge in West Virginia if your attorney casts doubt on the prosecutor’s case against you. They can do this by questioning the perpetrator’s identity and proving that they did not intend to steal or use force.

A strong defense strategy entails thorough, meticulous investigations and cross-examining state witnesses. Your lawyer can help you by presenting a case that demonstrates to the judge and jury that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof.

Hire an Armed Robbery Lawyer

An armed robbery conviction can alter your life in the present and future. Such a conviction means facing a long prison sentence, having a permanent felony record, and losing your civil rights. You can avoid these consequences by relying on a qualified attorney.

You must hire an armed robbery lawyer who is not afraid to go against the power of the state and defend your rights at every step in the process. Contact Meadows Law PLLC today to get the strategic defense you need and deserve.