At Bourdon Defence, we understand that robbery charges and convictions are extremely serious and that a conviction can lead to significant long-term consequences.
Our lawyers have represented thousands of criminal defendants during the past fifteen years. If you were charged with or convicted of robbery, the criminal defence lawyers at Bourdon Defence are ready and willing to assist you with your case.
A Calgary robbery lawyer can meet with you to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case and may help you formulate a good legal defence, negotiate a favorable plea deal, and represent you at your criminal court proceedings.
Defining Robbery
The Canadian Criminal Code defines robbery as taking or depriving an innocent victim of property, through the use of force or threat of force, with the intention of permanently depriving the victim of the property.
Armed robbery is defined in the same way as robbery, except that perpetrators commit armed robbery with deadly or dangerous weapons, such as knives, firearms, or other weapons that are capable of causing serious bodily injuries or death.
Possible Penalties For Conviction
The maximum penalty for a robbery conviction in Canada is life in prison. The penalties upon conviction typically depend on whether a weapon was used, as well as the number of prior offences the defendant has incurred.
Lifelong Repercussions of a Robbery Charge or Conviction
When a person is charged with or convicted of robbery, the charge remains on that person’s criminal record for many years to come. These days, prospective employers and educational institutions routinely perform criminal background checks on job and school applicants. A robbery charge or other criminal record could significantly hurt an applicant’s chances of getting hired or gaining admission to an educational institution.
Since landlords frequently perform criminal background checks on lease applicants, a robbery charge or conviction can also make finding a decent place to live difficult.
Possible Defences to Robbery and Armed Robbery Charges
A criminal defendant may assert some or all of the following defences in response to a Calgary robbery or armed robbery charge:
- Duress - in cases where another individual incites the defendant to commit the crime
- Entrapment - in cases where the police unlawfully incite the defendant to commit the crime
- Inability of alleged victims to correctly identify the suspect - in cases where the alleged victim cannot positively identify the defendant as the individual who committed the robbery.
Contact a Calgary Robbery Defence Lawyer Today for a Free Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
Never take a robbery case lightly. A knowledgeable Calgary criminal defence lawyer can analyze all of the facts and circumstances of your case and can help you assemble all of the necessary evidence and legal defences to increase your likelihood of success in court.
A criminal defence lawyer can represent you throughout your case, from beginning to end. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a Calgary criminal defence lawyer, please call us today at (403) 474-4143 or contact us online.