Robbery
Money might not be everything, but it can make you desperate in times of need. People sometimes act out of character when they’re financially struggling. Many people turn to crimes such as robbery for quick money. However, robbing someone comes with consequences. If you’re charged with robbery, you could be burdened with felony charges.
A robbery conviction could lead to expensive fines and time behind bars. You can challenge your charges with quality legal representation today. If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery, it’s imperative you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Attorney for Robbery in West Des Moines, Iowa
Robbery is a serious offense under Iowa law. A conviction could mean thousand-dollar fines and time spent in jail. It’s imperative you have legal counsel before making any important decisions. Do what’s best for your future and call the attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C..
Call (515) 279-9700 today to schedule a case consultation now. We understand the full scope of your charges and can offer you a sturdy defense. Our attorneys will collect evidence, file motions and fight for your rights in court.
McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. represents people accused of robbery throughout the Polk County area including West Des Moines, Polk City, Windsor Heights, Ankeny, and Pleasant Hill.
Overview of Robbery Charges in Iowa
- What is Robber Under Iowa Law?
- Penalties for Robbery in Iowa
- Extortion Laws in Iowa
- Additional Resources
What is Robbery under Iowa Law?
Robbery is a type of theft where you steal from another person using force. The prosecution must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt to convict you of robbery. These elements are located under Iowa Code § 711.1, which state:
- You’re guilty of robbery if you stole from another and:
- Commit assault against them;
- Threaten or have them fear imminent serious injury; or
- Threaten to commit a forcible felony such as murder or sexual assault
If prosecutors are unable to present compelling evidence, then your charges may be reduced or dropped.
The term “serious injury” can mean any of the following:
- Injuries to a child which require a surgery needing general anesthesia;
- Skull fractures, rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures of the long bones of children under the age of four years old; or
- Bodily injury which does any of the following:
- Create a substantial risk of possible death;
- Lead to serious permanent disfigurement; or
- The protracted loss or impairment of a bodily member or organ
“Assault” is a type of violent crime where a person:
- Acts and intends to cause pain or injury;
- Commits an act which they intend to be insulting or offensive;
- Acts intentionally and puts the other person in fear that the contact will be injurious, insulting, offensive or painful; or
- Intentionally points a firearm towards the other person in a threatening manner
Penalties for Robbery in Iowa
The penalties for robbery depend heavily on the circumstances of the crime. Committing assault during a robbery is a robbery in the third degree, which is an aggravated misdemeanor. The consequences for an aggravated misdemeanor include:
- Up to 24 months in jail; and
- A fine between $625 and $6,250
Any other robbery offense that isn’t robbery in the first degree is second-degree robbery. Robbery in the second degree is a class C felony, which is punishable by:
- Up to 10 years in prison; and
- A fine between $1,000 and $10,000
If the crime involved serious injury or a firearm, you’d be charged with first-degree robbery. A conviction for first-degree robbery is a class B felony, which can result in up to 25 years in prison.
Extortion Laws in Iowa
A crime closely related to robbery is extortion. Threatening another to perform a service or to benefit you in some way is illegal in Iowa. The Iowa Code § 711.4 states you’re committing extortion if you do any of the following for something of value:
- Threaten another with physical injury;
- Threaten to accuse another person of a public offense;
- Threaten to expose a person so they face contempt, ridicule or hatred;
- Threaten to harm the credit or business or reputation of another person;
- Threaten to withhold or act as a public officer or employee;
- Threaten to testify, provide information or withhold a statement for another’s legal claim or defense; or
- Threaten to destroy or damage the property of another person
Extortion is a class D felony which can result in:
- Up to 5 years in prison; and
- A fine between $750 and $7,500
Additional Resources
Iowa Robbery Laws – Visit the official website of the Iowa Code to learn more about the state’s robbery and extortion laws. Access the statute to learn the charge specifics, their penalties, and admissible defenses that can be used in court.
Robbery – Visit the official website of the Polk County Attorney to learn more about robbery. Access their site to learn different slang for robbery, different types of robbery and other violent offenses prosecuted by the County Attorney.
Lawyer for Robbery in Polk County, Iowa
If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery, it’s important you seek legal representation. It’s possible you could be facing felony charges, meaning time in prison. Avoid the statutory penalties by contacting an attorney from McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C..
The attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have years of experience defending people accused of theft offenses such as robbery or burglary. We can use our extensive experience to chart a strong defense for you. Contact us today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a free case consultation.
Our attorneys represent people throughout the greater Polk County and Dallas County area including Adel, West Des Moines, Polk City, Perry, Minburn, and De Soto.