Facing a Violent Felony Charge

A robbery charge is one of the most serious violent felonies a person can face in Birmingham, Alabama. Robbery is more than simple theft; it is defined as theft accomplished by the use of force or the threat of force. Because it is classified as a crime against a person, prosecutors pursue robbery charges aggressively, and judges impose severe penalties upon conviction. A robbery conviction can lead to a lengthy, multi-year prison sentence, substantial fines, and a permanent felony record that will follow you for the rest of your life.

When you are facing an allegation this serious, you need a defense attorney who is prepared to mount an equally aggressive defense. At Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law, we have the experience and courtroom skill to defend clients against all degrees of robbery charges. We understand the high stakes and are committed to meticulously investigating your case, challenging the prosecution’s evidence at every turn, and protecting your constitutional rights. Our goal is to fight for your freedom and achieve the best possible outcome.

Understanding Robbery Charges and Penalties in Alabama
Alabama law defines robbery in three degrees, with the severity of the charge depending on factors like whether a weapon was used and if anyone was injured.

• Robbery in the Third Degree (Class C Felony): This is the base-level robbery charge. A person commits third-degree robbery if, in the course of committing a theft, they:
  • Use force against the person of the owner or any person present with intent to overcome his physical resistance or physical power of resistance; or
  • Threaten the imminent use of force against the person of the owner or any person present with intent to compel acquiescence to the taking of or escaping with the property.
  • Penalty: 1 year and 1 day to 10 years in prison.
• Robbery in the Second Degree (Class B Felony): The charge is elevated to second-degree robbery if the defendant is aided by another person actually present, or if during the robbery, they cause physical injury to any person.
  • Penalty: 2 to 20 years in prison.
• Robbery in the First Degree (Class A Felony): This is the most serious robbery charge. It applies if the defendant is armed with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, or if they cause serious physical injury to another person.
  • Penalty: 10 to 99 years or life in prison.

It is critical to note that you can be charged with First Degree Robbery even if you used a toy gun or an unloaded weapon, as long as you led the victim to believe it was a real, deadly weapon.

Building a Powerful Defense to a Robbery Charge
The prosecution’s case in a robbery often relies heavily on eyewitness identification, which is notoriously unreliable. A strong defense requires a proactive strategy to expose the weaknesses in the state’s evidence.

• Challenging Eyewitness Identification: This is often the cornerstone of our defense. Was the witness able to get a good look at the perpetrator? Was the lighting poor? Was the witness under extreme stress? Was the police lineup or photo array conducted in a way that was improperly suggestive? We will file motions to suppress unreliable identifications and expose their flaws to a jury.
• Misidentification and Alibi: We work to prove that you are the wrong person. We will thoroughly investigate your alibi—where you were and who you were with at the time of the robbery—and gather evidence like surveillance footage, receipts, and cell phone location data to corroborate your story.
• Lack of Force or Threat: The key element separating robbery from theft is the use or threat of force. We may be able to argue that no force was used and that the incident was, at most, a misdemeanor theft.
• Questioning Intent: The prosecution must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. We can challenge this element of the crime, arguing there was no intent to steal.
• Illegal Search and Seizure: We will scrutinize the police investigation to ensure your constitutional rights were not violated. If evidence, such as the alleged stolen property or a weapon, was found during an illegal search of your person, car, or home, we will fight to have it excluded from your case.

Your Freedom is at Stake. Contact Us Now.
A robbery charge can feel overwhelming, but an arrest is not a conviction. You have the right to a powerful defense. Mark Bishop Turner is a skilled trial lawyer who is not afraid to stand up to the prosecution and fight for you in court. We will meticulously prepare your case and work tirelessly to protect your freedom and your future.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for robbery in Birmingham, it is crucial that you do not speak to the police. Instead, exercise your right to an attorney. Contact Mark Bishop Turner Attorney At Law immediately for a free and confidential consultation.