Robbery By Sudden Snatching Is A Very Serious Crime Indicates Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer
Feb 5, 2014
Lakeland, FL (Law Firm Newswire) February 5, 2014 – In Florida, there is a special category of robbery referred to as Robbery by Sudden Snatching. It is a serious criminal offense.
“Robbery by Sudden Snatching happens when someone takes money, or other property, from a victim with the intention to deprive them of that property or money, permanently or temporarily, and during the course of events of that robbery, the alleged victim is aware or becomes aware of the robbery,” outlines Lakeland criminal defense lawyer, Thomas Grajek. The offense is outlined in Florida Criminal Statute 812.13.
To break down the precise meaning of the Robbery by Sudden Snatching offense, one needs to consider an example. If some individual was aiming to steal a purse, and at the moment the action of the purse being removed from the person was felt, they tried to hold on to their belongings and/or strike out at the alleged robber. The moment the woman became aware of the attempt to take the purse is enough to charge a robber with this type of crime. “It is enough that they know they are being robbed,” Grajek says. To prove this charge in court, the prosecutor does not need to prove the alleged robber used force beyond what was necessary to take the item in question.
What makes a significant difference in the penalty phase of a crime of this nature is whether or not a weapon or firearm was used. If the snatcher was armed, they face a 2nd degree felony charge, or Level 7 offense, which rates at 56 points, and if proven guilty, faces a mandatory 15-years in jail and a $10,000 fine. “If the robbery were committed without a weapon of any kind, it is classified as a 3rd degree felony, or level 5 offense for 28 points, with 5-years in jail and a $5,000 fine,” outlines Grajek.
Individuals who commit this type of crime also face being labelled as a habitual violent felony offender, a 3 time violent felony offender, violent career criminal or prison release re-offender. What a criminal is labelled often affects the penalties they face. In a case where a firearm, or other deadly weapon, was used, the use of such force would enhance the crime to a 2nd degree felony, particularly if the individual carried it with the intention to use it during the course of a robbery by snatching.
“Even those charged with criminal offenses, such as robbery by snatching or robbery, are entitled to a defense attorney in court. You have rights and it is my job to protect them. Do not go to court without speaking to me first,” adds Grajek. “Know your rights and what your options are.”
Learn more at http://www.flcrimedefense.com/
Thomas C. Grajek
206 Easton Drive, Suite 102
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863.688.4606
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