Summerville Robbery Lawyer
Former Prosecutors Defending Robbery Charges with More Than Four Decades of Collective Experience
Facing a robbery accusation in Summerville is a serious matter that demands immediate legal attention. At TMW Law, we bring a perspective shaped by our former roles as prosecutors. That background lets us analyze how the state approaches robbery cases from the inside, and it directly informs how we build each client’s defense. With more than four decades of collective legal experience and a boutique firm setting, we provide the personalized attention that a charge of this severity requires.
If you or a family member has been accused of robbery, don’t discuss the facts of the case with investigators or other third parties before speaking with an attorney.
Call TMW Law at (843) 891-6100 to speak with a robbery defense attorney in Summerville about your situation.
Robbery Charges under South Carolina Law
Robbery is distinct from ordinary theft because it involves taking property from a person or that person’s immediate presence by force or intimidation. That element of force or threatened force is what elevates a theft into a violent offense and what drives the significant penalties attached to a conviction. Burglary, by contrast, generally concerns unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime, not the direct confrontation that robbery requires.
South Carolina law draws a clear line between two robbery offenses, each carrying its own statutory penalty range:
Common-Law Robbery (Section 16-11-325)
Common-law robbery, sometimes called strong-arm robbery, involves taking property from another person using violence or intimidation without a weapon. It is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Armed Robbery (Section 16-11-330)
Armed robbery involves the use of a deadly weapon, an alleged deadly weapon, or an object the alleged victim reasonably believed to be a deadly weapon. A conviction carries a mandatory prison term of no fewer than 10 years and no more than 30 years, with no possibility of suspension or probation. Attempted armed robbery is separately addressed under the same statute and may carry up to 20 years upon conviction.
Our perspective supports a thorough review of the state’s evidence and charging theory at the outset of any case. Understanding how the charge was built is the first step toward identifying where it can be challenged.
How We Build a Robbery Defense
At TMW Law, we begin by reviewing all available evidence and witness statements connected to the prosecution’s case. No two robbery matters are identical. The facts surrounding identification, the alleged use of force or intimidation, whether a weapon was possessed or displayed, and the credibility of the state’s witnesses all shape the legal issues at stake.
Our approach involves:
- Detailed Case Analysis: We review the evidence and witness statements for inconsistencies and weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument.
- Personalized Defense Strategies: By understanding your circumstances, we tailor our defense approach to suit your needs and objectives. Depending on the facts, strategy may involve investigation, motions concerning evidence, negotiations with the prosecution, or trial preparation and representation.
- Guidance Through Every Stage: We explain what to expect as the case progresses and keep you informed. Our background helps us anticipate how the state may develop and present its case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery Charges in Summerville
What Should I Do After Being Accused of Robbery?
If you are accused of robbery, contact a robbery defense attorney in Summerville as soon as possible. Remain silent about the facts of the allegation, avoid contacting the alleged victim about the case, preserve any information that may be relevant, and don’t discuss the case publicly. At TMW Law, we advise clients on police interactions and early criminal-case procedures.
What Penalties May Apply to a Robbery Charge in South Carolina?
The potential penalty depends on which charge applies and the specific facts of the case. Common-law robbery under Section 16-11-325 is a felony with a maximum sentence of 15 years. Armed robbery under Section 16-11-330 carries a mandatory range of 10 to 30 years, with no suspension or probation permitted by statute. The alleged weapon or object involved, the evidence of force or intimidation, the alleged victim’s account, the circumstances of the incident, and the accused person’s record all factor into how a case is charged and how it may proceed.
How Does a Robbery Charge Differ from Other Theft Crimes?
Robbery charges differ because they involve force or intimidation directed at a person. Unlike theft, which concerns taking property without confrontation, or burglary, which generally concerns unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime, robbery is classified as a violent offense under South Carolina law and carries significantly heavier penalties. These distinctions can affect whether the prosecution can prove the charged offense.
Can a Past Conviction Affect My Current Robbery Case?
Yes, a prior conviction can affect charging decisions, negotiations, sentencing considerations, and the presentation of mitigation. The extent of that effect depends on the specific record and the facts of the current case. We review prior records to determine which convictions may be relevant and how they could shape the defense strategy.
