Robbery with a Firearm in Florida

If accused of Robbery with a Firearm in Florida, you need to know the:

• Definition of Robbery with a Firearm
• Penalties for Robbery with a Firearm
• Defenses to Robbery with a Firearm

Definition of Robbery with a Firearm

The crime of Robbery with a Firearm is defined as:

1. The intentional and unlawful taking of money or property from another person;
2. Through the use of force, violence, assault, or threat;
3. While in the possession of a firearm.

Importantly, it is not necessary that the firearm be used to effectuate the force, violence, assault, or threat; it is enough that the firearm was in the perpetrator's possession during the robbery.

Penalties for Robbery with a Firearm

The crime of Robbery with a Firearm is classified as a First Degree and is assigned a Level 9 offense severity ranking under Florida's Criminal Punishment Code.

If convicted of Robbery with a Firearm, a judge is required to impose a minimum prison sentence of either the 10/20/Life Firearm Enhancement or 48 months in prison and can also impose any combination of the following penalties:

• Up to life in prison.
• Up to life on probation.
• Up to $15,000 in fines.

10/20/Life Firearm Enhancement

A person convicted of actually possessing a firearm during the commission of a Robbery, as opposed to being an unarmed accomplice, is subject to the possibility of being sentenced under Florida's 10/20/Life statute.

Under the 10/20/Life statute, and depending on how the firearm was used, a person convicted of Robbery with a Firearm could receive one of the following minimum-mandatory prison sentences:

• A minimum 10 year prison term;
• A minimum 20 year prison term if the firearm was discharged; and
• A minimum 25 year prison term if someone is injured or killed by a firearm.

Defenses to Robbery with a Firearm

The primary defenses to the crime of Robbery with a Firearm are:

• False Accusation
• Misidentification

Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby

If you have been arrested or charged with the crime of Robbery with a Firearm in Central Florida, please contact Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.

The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.