Robbery Specialist Solicitors

Our criminal defence expertise

With more than 40 years’ experience representing clients facing serious criminal charges, including for robbery offences, we know how to put together the most effective defence possible under even the most challenging circumstances.

We have extensive experience representing clients in both Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court and our team includes a number of accredited police station representatives, meaning we can also provide 24-hour police station representation. 

With accreditation from the Law Society for Criminal Litigation and Children Law, we have the recognised expertise to effectively represent both adults and children.

JD Spicer Zeb is also Lexcel accredited by the Law Society, meaning we meet the highest levels of good management and customer care set by the Law Society of England and Wales.

Our expert team speaks multiple languages and we have approved external interpreters who can assist us if required, meaning we can deliver our services in more than 60 languages. Please take a look at our list of languages spoken to find out more.

What is considered a robbery?

In general terms, robbery occurs where a theft is carried out or attempted and where force is used or threatened in order to do so, or where the victim or victims are put in fear of being subjected to force.

There are three main types of robbery offences you may be charged with, depending on whether the target was a business or other commercial operation or a private residence, and the level of planning that went into the robbery.

Types of robbery offences

Robbery – street and less sophisticated commercial – This covers robberies that take place in public places, including shops, taxis and other commercial premises, where there was little or no planning behind the offence.

Robbery – professionally planned commercial – This type of offence covers robberies targeting commercial premises, but where there is a greater degree of planning behind the crime.

Robbery – dwelling – This offence relates to robberies targeting private residences.   Normally charged as aggravated burglary

What are the penalties for robbery?

Robbery – street and less sophisticated commercial – Standing sentencing will range from a community order up to 12 years’ custody, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment for worst cases.

Robbery – professionally planned commercial – Standing sentencing will range from 18 months to 20 years’ custody, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

Robbery – dwelling – Standing sentencing will range from 1 year to 16 years’ custody, with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment.

Various factors will affect the seriousness of a sentence for robbery, including your level of involvement in the offence, the property taken, the severity of the force used or threatened, and whether the victims were targeted due to their perceived vulnerability.  Relevant factors also include whether you have any previous convictions and your personal circumstances.

What are my rights when arrested for robbery?

If you are arrested or interviewed under caution in connection to a robbery offence, you need to be aware of your rights so you can be sure not to say or do anything that may harm your defence.

Please remember, you do not have to answer any questions and the police are required to caution you by using the words:

“You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court.  Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”

You should never answer any police questions without a solicitor present.

At the time of your arrest, the police officers involved must explain the reason for your arrest and the crime they believe you have committed.

Once you have been interviewed by the police, you will either be given a caution, meaning you are free to leave and will not be fined, or you will be charged with a specific criminal offence and released on bail.

If you are charged with a robbery offence and released on bail, a date will be set for your court appearance.

What defence is there against a charge of robbery?

The first question is whether the prosecution prove the case against you.  A critical feature of a robbery offence is the use or threat of force, so failure by the prosecution, for example, to show that force was used or threatened, or that the victim was put in fear of immediate force, will be fatal to its case.  If the prosecution cannot prove that there was a theft or attempted theft, then its case will also fail.

If you were or may have been acting under duress, you may have a defence.  There are other defences available and you should contact our criminal lawyers to discuss them if you are arrested or prosecuted.

The second question is how to secure the least serious sentence.  Even where an offence has been committed, it is often possible to secure a lighter sentence by pleading guilty to a lesser offence, such as theft or burglary.

If you plead guilty or are found guilty, then there is considerable work involved in securing you the lowest sentence possible.  Sentencing will depend on whether your level of culpability for the offence is considered high, medium or lesser. Examples of lesser culpability for a robbery offence might include if you performed a limited role under the direction of others, only participated in the offence as a result of coercion, intimidation or exploitation, or where the threat or use of force was minimal.

As sophisticated, pre-planned robberies generally carry more serious penalties, showing that the robbery was spontaneous and unplanned may also help to secure a lesser sentence.

Our criminal defence solicitors have extensive experience with defending clients charged with robbery offences, so can ensure no potential angle of defence or critical detail is overlooked, helping you to secure the best available outcome for your circumstances.

Contact our criminal law defence solicitors today

For urgent specialist advice, immediate representation or to speak to us confidentially about a robbery offence or any other criminal matter, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• City of London: 0207 624 7771 - our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.
• Brent & Camden London Office: 020 7624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for robbery offences

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556, and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.