Our Trusted Criminal Defense Team Provides the Representation You Need When Facing Robbery or Theft Charges

If you're facing robbery charges in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, or anywhere in Okaloosa County, Florida, you need experienced legal representation immediately. At Flaherty Defense Firm, our skilled robbery defense attorneys understand the serious consequences of these felony charges and fight aggressively to protect your rights, freedom, and future.

What is Robbery Under Florida Law?

Under Florida Statute 812.13, robbery is defined as the taking of money or property from another person through the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear. This makes robbery a much more serious offense than simple theft because it involves the element of force or intimidation.

To convict someone of robbery in Florida, the prosecution must prove four essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

Elements of Robbery

1. Taking of property - The defendant took money or property
2. From another person - The property belonged to someone else
3. Intent to deprive - Intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the victim
4. Use of force - Force, violence, assault, or putting the victim in fear

If any of these elements cannot be proven, the charges may be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely.

Types of Robbery Charges in Florida

Florida law recognizes several types of robbery with varying degrees of severity:

Strong-Arm Robbery (Second-Degree Felony)

Also called "robbery without a weapon," this involves using physical force without any weapon. It's punishable by:

• Up to 15 years in prison
• Up to 15 years of probation
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Armed Robbery with a Weapon (First-Degree Felony)

When a weapon (other than a firearm) is used during the robbery, penalties increase to:

• Up to 30 years in prison
• Up to 30 years of probation
• Up to $10,000 in fines

Armed Robbery with a Firearm (First-Degree Felony)

The most serious robbery charge, carrying potential life imprisonment and subject to Florida's 10-20-Life law:

• 10 years mandatory minimum - for possessing a firearm during robbery
• 20 years mandatory minimum - for discharging a firearm during robbery
• 25 years to life - if someone is seriously injured or killed

Home Invasion Robbery

Robbery committed inside a dwelling is home invasion robbery, which carries enhanced penalties and is often prosecuted more aggressively.

Common Robbery Defense Strategies

Our experienced Fort Walton Beach robbery defense attorneys use various strategies to defend against robbery charges:

Challenging the Force Element

The most critical defense is challenging whether force, violence, or threat was actually used. If the prosecution cannot prove this element, robbery charges may be reduced to simple theft with significantly lower penalties.

Lack of Intent

We can argue that our client didn't intend to permanently or temporarily deprive the victim of their property, or that the taking was an afterthought to any use of force.

Mistaken Identity

Eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable, especially in stressful situations. We challenge identification evidence and present alternative explanations.

Insufficient Evidence

The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. We scrutinize the evidence to identify weaknesses and inconsistencies in the state's case.

Self-Defense or Defense of Others

If force was used in legitimate self-defense or defense of others, this can be a complete defense to robbery charges.

Claim of Right Defense

Under Florida law, taking property under a good faith belief that you own it or are entitled to it is a defense to robbery. This applies when someone honestly believes they have a right to the property.

Constitutional Violations

We examine whether police violated your constitutional rights during:

• Illegal searches and seizures
• Improper interrogation without Miranda warnings
• Unlawful arrest or detention
• Identification procedures

Robbery vs. Other Theft Crimes

Understanding the differences between robbery and other theft offenses is crucial for defense strategy:

Robbery vs. Theft

• Robbery: Involves force, violence, or threat - always a felony
• Theft: Taking without force - can be misdemeanor or felony based on value

Robbery vs. Burglary

• Robbery: Taking property from a person using force
• Burglary: Unlawfully entering a structure with intent to commit a crime

Robbery vs. Carjacking

• Robbery: General taking of property with force
• Carjacking: Specifically taking a motor vehicle with force or violence

Federal vs. State Robbery Charges

Some robbery cases may be prosecuted in federal court, which carries different penalties and procedures:

Federal Bank Robbery

Bank robbery is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 2113 with penalties including:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison
• Up to 25 years if a dangerous weapon is used
• Life sentence or death penalty if death results
• Fines up to $250,000 per count

Other Federal Robbery Charges

• Robbery of federally insured institutions
• Interstate commerce robberies
• Robberies on federal property or military bases
• RICO or organized crime related robberies

Why Choose Flaherty Defense Firm for Robbery Defense?

Attorneys Tim Flaherty and Brandy Merrifield bring extensive experience defending serious felony charges throughout Northwest Florida. We understand the gravity of robbery accusations and the life-changing consequences of conviction.

Our Robbery Defense Approach

• Immediate investigation - We begin building your defense right away
• Evidence analysis - Thorough review of all prosecution evidence
• Witness interviews - Independent investigation of all witnesses
• Expert testimony - Use of forensic experts when beneficial
• Aggressive negotiation - Seeking reduced charges or dismissal
• Trial preparation - Ready to fight your case in court

Experience with Complex Cases

We handle all types of robbery cases, including:

• Armed robbery with firearms or weapons
• Strong-arm robbery without weapons
• Home invasion robbery
• Bank robbery and financial institution cases
• Carjacking and vehicle theft with force
• Robbery by sudden snatching
• Multiple defendant conspiracy cases
• Cases involving assault and battery charges

Military Personnel and Security Clearance Issues

As attorneys serving the military community near Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field, we understand the unique challenges military personnel face when charged with robbery:

Military-Specific Consequences

• Court-martial proceedings - Potential military prosecution in addition to civilian charges
• Security clearance revocation - Immediate impact on military career
• Administrative separation - Discharge from military service
• Loss of benefits - Military pay, housing, healthcare, and retirement

Coordinated Defense Strategy

We work to minimize both civilian and military consequences through:

• Coordination with military defense counsel
• Understanding of UCMJ implications
• Protecting security clearance when possible
• Minimizing command notification requirements

Serving Fort Walton Beach and Northwest Florida

Flaherty Defense Firm represents clients facing robbery charges throughout Northwest Florida, including:

• Okaloosa County - Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Niceville, Shalimar
• Walton County - DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach, Freeport
• Santa Rosa County - Milton, Gulf Breeze, Pace, Navarre
• Escambia County - Pensacola, Cantonment

We understand local courts, prosecutors, and law enforcement practices throughout the region.

What to Do If You're Charged with Robbery

1. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

Do not speak to police without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely invoke your right to counsel and remain silent.

2. Contact an Experienced Robbery Defense Attorney

Time is critical in robbery cases. Contact Flaherty Defense Firm immediately for emergency legal representation and guidance.

3. Do Not Discuss Your Case

Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your attorney. This includes:

• Family members and friends
• Other inmates if you're in custody
• Social media posts or communications
• Co-defendants or their attorneys

4. Preserve Evidence

If you have evidence that supports your defense, preserve it immediately:

• Alibi witnesses and documentation
• Cell phone records and GPS data
• Surveillance footage from your location
• Medical records if relevant

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Robbery Charges

What is the difference between robbery and theft in Florida?

Robbery involves the use of force, violence, assault, or threat during the taking of property, while theft does not involve force or intimidation. Under Florida Statute 812.13, robbery is a felony offense with much harsher penalties than simple theft.

What are the penalties for armed robbery in Florida?

Armed robbery is a first-degree felony in Florida punishable by up to life in prison. If a firearm is used, Florida's 10-20-Life law applies with mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years for possession, 20 years for discharge, and 25 years to life if someone is injured.

Can robbery charges be reduced to theft in Florida?

Yes, an experienced robbery defense attorney may be able to negotiate reduced charges if the prosecution cannot prove the force or violence elements required for robbery under Florida Statute 812.13. This could result in lesser theft charges with significantly reduced penalties.

Do I need a weapon to be charged with robbery?

No. Strong-arm robbery (robbery without a weapon) is still a second-degree felony in Florida. The key element is the use of force, violence, or threat - not necessarily a weapon.

What if I didn't actually take anything?

You can still be charged with attempted robbery if you used force or threat with the intent to take property, even if you were unsuccessful. Attempted robbery is also a felony offense.

Can I be charged with robbery if the victim didn't resist?

Yes. Florida law doesn't require the victim to resist if they were put in fear of death or great bodily harm. The threat of force can be enough to support robbery charges.

What is robbery by sudden snatching?

This occurs when property is taken from a victim's person without force but with enough violence to cause the victim to become aware of the taking. It's a third-degree felony with penalties up to 5 years in prison.

How long do I have before the state files charges?

The statute of limitations for robbery in Florida is generally 4 years for most felonies. However, prosecutors often file charges much sooner, so immediate legal representation is crucial.

Why Choose Flaherty Defense Firm?

• Experienced robbery defense - Extensive experience with serious felony charges
• Aggressive representation - We fight to protect your freedom and future
• Free confidential consultation - No obligation case review
• Military-friendly practice - Understanding of military-specific consequences
• Local knowledge - Familiar with Northwest Florida courts and prosecutors
• Proven results - Track record of successful defenses and reduced charges

The Stakes Are Too High to Wait

Robbery charges carry severe penalties that can change your life forever. Don't risk your freedom by trying to handle this alone or with inadequate representation. Our experienced robbery defense attorneys are here to fight for you.

Your Freedom is Our Priority

When you're facing robbery charges, every decision matters. The prosecution has unlimited resources and experienced attorneys working against you. You need equally experienced and aggressive defense attorneys on your side.

At Flaherty Defense Firm, we understand that being charged with robbery can be the most frightening and overwhelming experience of your life. Your job, family, freedom, and everything you've worked for is on the line. We're here to provide the aggressive, experienced defense you need to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.