Armed Robbery Charges in Chicago, Illinois

Armed robbery is one of the most serious criminal offenses in Illinois, particularly in a major city like Chicago. Being accused of armed robbery carries severe consequences, both legally and personally. Understanding the nature of these charges, the penalties that accompany a conviction, and the critical importance of a strong legal defense is essential if you are facing such allegations.

What Constitutes Armed Robbery in Illinois?

Under Illinois law, specifically 720 ILCS 5/18-2, armed robbery occurs when an individual commits a robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon, such as a firearm, knife, or other items capable of causing serious harm. Robbery itself is defined as taking property from another person by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. When a weapon is involved, the severity of the crime escalates significantly.

Key factors that define armed robbery include:

• Use of a Firearm or Weapon: The presence of a firearm or any object used to threaten or cause harm during the commission of the robbery immediately elevates the crime to armed robbery.
• Threat of Force: Even if the weapon is not used, the mere threat of using a weapon to intimidate the victim qualifies as armed robbery under Illinois law.
• Discharge of a Firearm: If a firearm is discharged during the robbery, particularly if someone is injured or killed, the penalties become even more severe.

Penalties for Armed Robbery in Chicago

Armed robbery is classified as a Class X felony in Illinois, the most serious felony category aside from murder. The penalties reflect the grave nature of the offense:

• Mandatory Prison Sentence: A conviction for armed robbery carries a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 6 to 30 years. This sentence can be significantly extended under certain circumstances, such as the discharge of a firearm.
• Additional Penalties for Firearm Use: If a firearm is discharged during the robbery, an additional 15 years can be added to the sentence. If someone is seriously injured or killed, the sentence can be extended by 25 years to life.
• Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for armed robbery will leave you with a permanent criminal record, drastically affecting future job prospects, housing opportunities, and personal relationships.

Armed Robbery in Chicago: Local Prosecution and Law Enforcement

In Chicago, armed robbery is taken extremely seriously by law enforcement and prosecutors. The city’s police department, often in conjunction with specialized units, dedicates significant resources to investigating armed robbery cases. Local prosecutors are known for aggressively pursuing these charges, often seeking the harshest penalties allowed under Illinois law, especially in cases involving repeat offenders or incidents where a firearm was discharged.

Building a Defense Against Armed Robbery Charges in Chicago

Facing an armed robbery charge requires a robust defense strategy, tailored to the specifics of your case. Andrew M. Weisberg brings a wealth of experience as a former Cook County prosecutor to every case he handles, giving him a unique insight into the prosecution’s tactics. His experience allows him to anticipate the moves of the prosecution and develop a defense that addresses the specific elements of your case.

Andrew understands the high stakes involved in armed robbery cases and approaches each case with the attention and care it deserves. His commitment to clear and consistent communication ensures that you are fully informed and involved in every step of your defense. He is dedicated to providing personalized attention, being accessible to answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process.

Strategic Defenses for Armed Robbery Charges

Defending against armed robbery charges in Chicago requires a careful and thorough approach. Some of the potential defenses that Andrew may explore include:

• Challenging the Presence of a Weapon: A key element of armed robbery is the presence of a weapon. If the weapon was not present or the evidence of its presence is weak, this could be a critical point in your defense.
• Mistaken Identity: Armed robbery cases often rely on eyewitness testimony, which can be unreliable. Andrew will investigate the circumstances of the identification process to uncover any inconsistencies or errors.
• Coercion or Duress: If you were forced to participate in the robbery under threat of harm to yourself or others, this could be a viable defense strategy.
• Violation of Constitutional Rights: Andrew will meticulously review the procedures followed during your arrest and investigation to ensure that your rights were not violated. Any unlawful search, seizure, or coercion could lead to the suppression of key evidence.

Why Andrew M. Weisberg is the Defense Attorney You Need for Armed Robbery Charges

When facing armed robbery charges in Chicago, the choice of defense attorney is critical. Andrew M. Weisberg offers a distinct advantage with his extensive experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. This dual perspective allows him to build strong, strategic defenses that are tailored to the specific facts of your case.

Andrew is deeply committed to fighting for the rights of his clients, providing not only vigorous legal representation but also the support and guidance needed during such a challenging time. His dedication to client service is evident in his clear communication, accessibility, and willingness to go the extra mile for his clients.

Call Andrew M. Weisberg today at (773) 908-9811 for a free consultation. If you are facing armed robbery charges or any other serious criminal accusation, Andrew is ready to stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome.