Robbery

Facing Robbery Charges in Riverside County, California

Being accused of Robbery is one of the most frightening experiences an individual can face. In California, Robbery is not merely theft; it is a violent felony that carries severe, life-altering penalties. If you or a loved one are under investigation or have been arrested for Robbery in Riverside County—whether in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Winchester, Perris, Hemet, San Jacinto, Corona, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Banning, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Wildomar, or French Valley—you need immediate, aggressive legal intervention. The Law Office of Nic Cocis is dedicated to protecting your rights and mounting a powerful defense against these serious charges.

Understanding the Charge: What Constitutes Robbery in California?

California Penal Code (PC) Section 211 defines Robbery as the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear.

This definition highlights several critical elements the prosecution must prove:

1. Taking of Property: The defendant must have taken property that belonged to someone else. 2. From the Person or Immediate Presence: This means the victim had control over the property (e.g., taking a wallet from their pocket, or snatching a purse they just set down). 3. Against Their Will: The victim did not consent to the taking. 4. Force or Fear: Crucially, the taking must be accomplished by using force (even minimal force) or by causing the victim to fear for their safety or the safety of their property.

Common scenarios that lead to Robbery charges often involve shoplifting escalating into a confrontation where force is used to retain the property, or traditional armed holdups of businesses or individuals throughout communities like Murrieta and Menifee.

The Gravity of the Penalties

Robbery is always charged as a felony in California and is classified into two degrees:

• First-Degree Robbery (PC 211): This applies if the victim is a driver or passenger of a taxi, bus, streetcar, or other vehicle for hire; if the robbery occurs in an inhabited dwelling (a home, apartment, etc.); or if the victim is using an ATM. This is the most serious form, often resulting in state prison sentences ranging from three to nine years.
• Second-Degree Robbery (PC 211): This covers all other types of robbery and typically carries a sentence of two, three, or five years in state prison.

Furthermore, Robbery is a "Strike" offense under California’s Three Strikes Law. A conviction will drastically increase the penalties for any future felony convictions. If a weapon was used or alleged to have been used (even if not fired), sentencing enhancements under PC 12022.53 (the "10-20-Life" law) can add significant mandatory prison time, potentially turning a standard sentence into decades behind bars. Given the severity of these consequences, particularly in high-stakes cases investigated by law enforcement agencies serving areas like Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, retaining an experienced defense attorney is non-negotiable.

Strategic Defense Against Robbery Charges

The prosecution carries the burden of proving every element of PC 211 beyond a reasonable doubt. At the Law Office of Nic Cocis, we meticulously investigate the facts of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Our defense strategies are tailored to the specific circumstances of your arrest, whether it occurred in Temecula or French Valley.

Key Defense Strategies Include:

• Lack of Intent: Robbery requires the specific intent to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If the taking was accidental, or if the property was taken under a claim of right (believing the property was rightfully yours), the charge may be reduced or dismissed.
• Mistaken Identity: Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable, especially under stressful circumstances. We scrutinize police procedures and lineups, challenging identifications that may be flawed or suggestive. This is a common defense in cases involving quick interactions or poor lighting in areas like Winchester.
• Lack of Force or Fear: If the property was taken without the use of force or the threat of force, the crime may only constitute grand or petty theft, which are far less serious offenses than Robbery.
• False Accusations/Alibi: We work quickly to establish a verifiable alibi or demonstrate that the accuser has a motive to fabricate the allegations.
• Challenging Constitutional Violations: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during search and seizure, or your Fifth Amendment rights regarding self-incrimination, we will fight to suppress any illegally obtained evidence.

Why Experienced Representation Matters in Riverside County

A Robbery charge is a direct threat to your freedom, your future employment, and your reputation. You need a defense attorney who is intimately familiar with the Riverside County court system, the local District Attorney’s office, and the judges who preside over felony cases.

Nic Cocis understands the high stakes involved and approaches every Robbery case with the tenacity and dedication required for success. We are prepared to handle complex investigations, negotiate aggressively for charge reductions (such as reducing Robbery to Grand Theft), and, when necessary, take your case to trial to fight for a "Not Guilty" verdict.

Do not speak to law enforcement without legal counsel. Protect your future immediately.

If you are facing Robbery charges in Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Wildomar, or French Valley, contact the Law Office of Nic Cocis today for a confidential, free consultation. Your defense starts now.