When Do You Need a Robbery Lawyer?
If you have been charged with any type of robbery crime in Canada, it is absolutely essential for you to reach out to a robbery lawyer for help. Robbery is a theft crime that occurs when an individual takes property from another individual using force, intimidation, or the threat of force.
Sometimes, robbery is also called larceny by threat of force. In some jurisdictions, although the use or threat of force does not have to be directed at the intended victim, it has to be immediate and the crime has to be committed in the presence of the victim.
If the crime was committed using a firearm or other type of deadly weapon, an individual may be charged with armed robbery. This charge typically carries harsher penalties for a defendant.
The severity of the punishment that a defendant may face will vary depending on the degree of the offense, whether the victim was injured, or if a weapon was used during the crime.
- Specific examples of the factors that determine the seriousness of a robbery charge include:
- Involvement of a firearm or weapon, armed robbery)
- The type of property stolen
- The type of victim targeted
- The location of the crime
- The defendant’s prior criminal record
- The defendant’s current probation status
- The number of accomplices that were involved, such as getaway drivers or lookouts
- The amount of force used during the crime
- Whether it resulted in injury or death
A lawyer for robbery can present defenses to robbery on your behalf in court. There are also many other ways a robbery attorney can help you, including:
- Information about protecting your rights
- Preparing a case to present on your behalf in court
- Determining if there are any defenses that apply in your case
- Explaining the laws in your jurisdiction
- Discussing the best options for proceeding
- Negotiating with the prosecution for a plea agreement
- Negotiating with the prosecution for lesser charges, if possible
If you have been a victim of a robbery, you should call law enforcement immediately. They can collect evidence to forward to your local prosecutor’s office.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Robbery Lawyer in Canada?
How much it will cost for you to hire a robbery lawyer will vary based on many factors, which may include:
- How complex your case is
- How much experience your lawyer has, such as years worked or cases handled
- The billing arrangement your lawyer uses, which may include:
- Hourly rate
- Flat fee
- Contingency fee
- Retainer fee
- The location of your case or where you lawyer practices
- The size of the law firm
For hourly fees, lawyers usually charge anywhere from CA$200 to CA$500 or more.
What to Look for in a Robbery Lawyer?
Having a robbery lawyer that you are comfortable working with and who you trust to handle your case is essential. Helpful things to look for in a robbery attorney include:
- Experience: Find a robbery lawyer who has prior experience with robbery cases. They are more likely to be familiar with the applicable laws, possible sentences, and available defenses and incarceration alternatives in your area, such as diversion programs and plea bargains.
- Communication: Look for a lawyer who responds promptly to any questions or concerns you share and provides you with regular updates on your case.
- Strategy: Your robbery attorney should have a plan or strategy to use to defend you in court.
- You should speak to your attorney about negotiating with the prosecution for a lesser charge or a plea bargain.
How to Prepare for Your Consultation With a Robbery Lawyer?
It will be very helpful if you prepare in advance for your consultation with your robbery attorney to ensure that you get the most out of that meeting. It also gives your lawyer the time and information they need to form the best possible defense strategy on your behalf.
Steps you can take to prepare for your consultation include:
- Making a written list of your concerns and questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have for your lawyer, which may include:
- The lawyer’s experience with robbery cases specifically
- The lawyer’s success rate with robbery cases
- Thoughts on the possible punishments you may face
- Availability of alternative sentencing options
- Gathering evidence: Bring anything you may have that can be evidence related to your robbery charges, such as:
- Police reports
- Photographs
- Receipts
- Court documents
- Communications
- Social media posts
- Other evidence you may have
- Being honest: You must be totally honest with your lawyer so they can build a case on your behalf without any surprises. Lawyers have to follow confidentiality rules, meaning they cannot share what you say with others unless you give them permission.
Where to Find Robbery Lawyers in Canada?
LegalMatch can help you find a robbery lawyer in your area of Canada conveniently, quickly, and at no charge. You may have tried to search online for, “robbery lawyers near me” or “robbery attorneys near me,” with little luck, as the results were overwhelming and uninformative.
When you use LegalMatch, you will get information about robbery lawyers in your area in just a few easy steps by:
- Submitting your issue: Submit information about your robbery case in about 15 minutes on the LegalMatch website.
- Getting matched: You will receive responses from robbery lawyer matches in around 24 hours.
- Choosing a lawyer: When you receive robbery attorney responses, each response includes information about the lawyer’s:
- Background
- Education
- Client reviews
- Fee arrangements
In contrast to your general online search, information you receive from LegalMatch will help you locate a pre-screened, licensed, and top-rated robbery attorney near you whether you are in a large city, such as Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal or in a small town.
