Robbery Charges in Florida: Armed Robbery, Carjacking, and Federal Cases
Robbery charges in Florida are treated as serious violent felonies, even when no one is hurt and nothing of great value is taken. The charge can range from robbery by sudden snatching to armed robbery or home-invasion robbery, and some cases, such as bank robberies, are prosecuted federally.
This post explains, in general terms, how robbery cases are handled under Florida law and in the federal system at the time of this writing. Every case is different and laws change, so for answers about a specific situation, call or text Attorney Ron Frey for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739.
The Laws Involved
In Florida, robbery is generally charged under Section 812.13, Florida Statutes (Robbery). In the federal system, these cases are typically charged under 18 U.S.C. § 2113 (Bank robbery and incidental crimes) or 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (Interference with commerce by threats or violence, often called the Hobbs Act). As always, laws are subject to change and revision, so contact Attorney Ron Frey to discuss the details of your case and the current status of the law.
How Florida Generally Treats Robbery
Under Florida law, robbery generally involves taking money or property from another person by force, violence, assault, or putting the person in fear, with the intent to deprive them of it. The force or fear is what separates robbery from theft.
Under the robbery statute, the seriousness of the charge generally depends on whether the person carried a firearm, a deadly weapon, or another weapon, or no weapon at all. Separate statutes cover robbery by sudden snatching, carjacking, and home-invasion robbery. Armed robbery and home-invasion robbery can carry very serious felony penalties, and certain firearm allegations can bring mandatory minimum sentences.
When Robbery Becomes a Federal Case
Robbery becomes a federal case most often when a federally insured bank or credit union is involved, when a business engaged in interstate commerce is targeted, or in certain carjacking cases. Federal prosecutors often add firearm charges, which can carry mandatory consecutive sentences.
Federal robbery cases are often investigated by the FBI, sometimes with local police task forces, and frequently rely on surveillance video, phone records, and cell-site location data. Bank and business robbery cases from the Tampa Bay area are generally brought in the Middle District of Florida. Our federal offenses page has more on what to expect in federal court.
How Robbery Investigations Often Start
Robbery investigations often begin with a 911 call, surveillance video, a photo lineup, or a tip. Some people first learn they are suspects from a detective call asking them to come in, or from officers arriving with an arrest warrant or search warrant.
Attorney Ron Frey generally advises that anyone contacted by investigators about a robbery speak with an attorney before making any statements or participating in a lineup or interview.
What a Robbery Defense Generally Looks At
Every case turns on its own facts. In general, a defense may look at whether the identification is reliable, whether force or fear was actually used, whether a weapon was really involved, whether the person intended to take the property, and how video, phone, and location evidence was collected and interpreted. Eyewitness identifications made under stress are not always accurate.
With over 20 years of criminal defense experience in state and federal court, Attorney Ron Frey closely reviews identification procedures and video evidence in robbery cases.
Accused of Robbery in Tampa? Call Attorney Ron Frey.
Robbery cases often come down to identification and to what really happened in a few seconds, and those questions deserve a close look. If you or a family member has been charged with robbery, or contacted by investigators, talk with a lawyer before giving any statement. Attorney Ron Frey represents people facing Florida state and federal charges in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, and the Middle District of Florida. Call or text for a free and confidential consultation at (813) 775-2276 or toll-free at (844) 766-3739. You can also read about burglary charges in Florida or learn more about the violent crimes and theft offenses we defend.
This post is general information at the time of this writing and is not legal advice. Laws change often, so contact an attorney about your specific situation.