Colorado Springs Armed Robbery Attorneys

Arrested for Robbery with a Deadly Weapon in Colorado Springs?

Robbery is both a violent crime and a property crime in nature, although it is categorized as a violent crime by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The State of Colorado takes a similar stance. If you were charged with using a deadly weapon while attempting to rob someone, your life can completely change. But Colorado laws are complex, and a skilled attorney can analyze the facts of your case and develop a thorough defense to protect your future.

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our Colorado Springs aggravated robbery defense attorney have decades of experience representing defendants in felony cases. When we take on a case, we comb through every statement, review the accusations against you, and craft a detailed defense to keep you out of prison. We call upon our years of trial experience to fight on your behalf. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 to get a free case evaluation.

Colorado’s Aggravated Robbery Law

According to Colorado Revised Statute 18-4-301, robbery is committed when "a person…knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation." A robbery is considered armed robbery, or aggravated robbery as it is designated by Colorado law, if the offender is armed with a deadly weapon with the intent to wound, maim, or kill the person or persons being robbed should they resist.

Colorado's aggravated robbery law covers several different situations in which a weapon is used in a robbery. These include:

• The person accused of committing the robbery had a dangerous weapon and intended to use it to injure or kill the person being robbed or anyone else;
• The person accused of committing robbery had a weapon and actually injured someone else with it;
• The person accused of committing robbery had a weapon and used it to threaten or intimidate the person being robbed or anyone else;
• The person accused of committing robbery had an accomplice who had a weapon, and the accomplice intended to injure or kill the person being robbed or anyone else, or the accomplice threatened or intimidated anyone with the weapon; and
• The person accused of committing robbery had something that, to a reasonable person, would look like a dangerous weapon, and/or the person accused of committing robbery announced or pretended he had a weapon that he would use to injure or kill someone.

Penalties for Armed Robbery in Colorado

Robbery involving a weapon is a Class 3 felony in Colorado. A person who is convicted of aggravated robbery faces not only the standard range of penalties that apply to all Class 3 felonies, but additional years tacked onto the standard prison term. This is because the Colorado legislature considers armed robbery to be an "extraordinary risk crime," or one that puts people's lives and health at risk. Colorado allows its courts to impose additional prison time on people who are convicted of extraordinary risk crimes.

Colorado law considers aggravated robbery a violent crime and any person convicted of such a crime will be sentenced according to violent crime penalties, which include:

• A minimum sentence of 4 years in prison and a $3,000 fine; and
• A maximum sentence of 16 years in prison and a $750,000 fine.

In exceptional circumstances:

• A minimum of 2 years in prison;
• A maximum of 32 years in prison; and
• 5 years mandatory parole.

Any sentence between the minimum and maximum presumptive range may be ordered by the court, as well as other potential requirements, such as successful completion of a rehabilitation program, psychological evaluations, community service, probation and/or completion of an anger management program. In extenuating circumstances, a judge may modify a convicted offender's punishment to reflect the unique situation.

The consequences of an armed robbery conviction in Colorado go far beyond a fine and a prison sentence. Many convicted felons lose their jobs, their homes, and their families. After paying heavy fines and/or restitution, they may find themselves in a desperate financial situation. Jobs will be hard to come by. Rebuilding relationships or trying to develop new ones may be difficult, thus creating a lonely future.

Defenses Against a Robbery Charge

To avoid the full consequences of an aggravated robbery conviction, you need to work with a dedicated trial attorney with in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s legal codes. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our team can sit down with you in a free consultation, review the facts of your case, and develop a strong defense strategy.

Depending on the nature of your charges, we can employ several defenses on your behalf, including:

• You were not armed with a weapon during the robbery.
• You had the consent of the owner of the allegedly stolen property to take it.
• You reasonably believed that you owned the allegedly stolen property.
• You had a legal right to be armed.
• There was no threat of force or violence used against the alleged victim.
• The police performed an illegal search and seizure.
• The police committed misconduct during your arrest.

Don't Leave Your Future to Chance

In order to avoid excessive or unwarranted imprisonment, and to protect your financial and personal future, you should retain the services of an aggressive Colorado Springs felony defense attorney. Timothy Bussey of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., is an experienced attorney and can build a strong defense on your behalf. To learn more about protecting your legal rights and potentially having the charges against you reduced or dropped, contact Mr. Bussey today at (719) 475-2555.

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