Kansas City Robbery Defense Attorneys

How Is Robbery Defined in Missouri?

In Missouri, robbery is defined as forcibly stealing property from another person. The law focuses on whether force is used, attempted, or threatened to take property or overcome resistance during the act.

Robbery charges can arise quickly, even in cases involving disputed facts or unclear force. Our lawyers examine if the prosecution can prove “forcible stealing” by evaluating if the evidence supports intent, identity, and the alleged use of force.

Understanding the Different Types of Robbery 

There are two degrees for robbery:

First-Degree Robbery

A person commits first-degree robbery when they 1.) forcibly steal property and 2.) are armed with a deadly weapon, cause serious physical injury, steal any controlled substance from a pharmacy, or use, display, or threaten the use of a dangerous instrument (RSMo § 570.023). This Class A felony carries 10–30 years or life in prison.

Second-Degree Robbery 

A person commits second-degree robbery by forcibly stealing property and causing physical injury to another person (RSMo § 570.025). This is a Class B felony punishable by 5–15 years in a state prison.

Can I Be Charged with Robbery if I Didn’t Actually Steal Anything? 

Yes. Many defendants mistakenly believe they are safe from felony charges simply because they walked away empty-handed. However, while the definition of robbery requires the prosecution to prove that a person forcibly stole property, ambitious prosecutors may rely on general attempt laws to close this gap (RSMo § 562.012).

If you allegedly pull a weapon, threaten someone, or use physical force, the state will classify this as a “substantial step” toward committing a robbery, regardless of whether items were taken. An attempted robbery is still prosecuted as a violent offense and carries the threat of years in prison.

These cases depend on how the incident is interpreted and if the prosecution can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt. Our defense attorneys actively scrutinize these overcharged cases and fight back against the state’s narrative by challenging whether a true “substantial step” toward robbery actually occurred. 

Defending Against Robbery Charges: How We Safeguard Your Future

Robbery cases can be incredibly complex because they involve chaotic, fast-moving events. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable, especially when a weapon is involved and adrenaline is running high.

Our legal team conducts independent, exhaustive investigations to uncover the objective truth. We can dissect surveillance footage, subpoena cell phone location data, and track down witnesses to prove your side of the story. 

Even if you were present at the time and place of the alleged crime, the state is legally required to prove you used physical force or a credible threat to take the property. Here is how we deconstruct robbery charges to protect your freedom:

• Breaking down witness accounts to expose inconsistencies in how the alleged threat or force is described. 
• Disputing the use of force by demonstrating that physical contact was defensive, incidental, or unrelated. 
• Meticulously analyzing 911 dispatch audio, medical records, and police reports to separate emotional or subjective interpretations from provable facts.
• Stripping away first-degree felony enhancements by challenging claims that a dangerous instrument was present, displayed, or implied.

Is It Possible to Reduce a Robbery Charge to a Lesser Defense?

Reducing a severe robbery charge to a lesser offense is a highly effective strategy when an outright dismissal isn’t feasible. Because robbery carries devastating prison sentences, we focus on reducing charges by systematically dismantling these specific aggravating factors and stripping away the prosecution’s leverage.

Prosecutors frequently overcharge a standard theft crime by inflating minor injuries or claiming the accused implied they had a weapon. By exposing the weaknesses in the evidence during intense pre-trial negotiations, we push prosecutors to drop violent felony labels and consider reduced charges or a favorable plea deal. 

However, the prosecution's willingness to negotiate depends on your prior criminal record and the exact facts of the case, which is why our trial-ready attorneys prepare every case as if it will be presented before a judge or jury. We can explore alternatives for reduced charges when possible to pursue a fair outcome. 

What Sets Our Defense Lawyers Apart

A robbery conviction can have lasting consequences on your life, career, housing, civil liberties, and personal relationships. Partnering with our skilled attorneys is paramount for avoiding the life-altering consequences of a felony conviction. 

Don’t leave your future to chance after an arrest. Our firm leverages decades of criminal defense experience to develop strategic defenses for our clients. Because we are available 24/7, someone from our team is always available to answer your call. 

Don’t let one mistake define the rest of your life. Contact us online to discuss your case with our award-winning defense firm.