Robbery Defense Attorneys

Robbery is one of the most serious charges in Washington State. It qualifies as a "strike" offense with maximum penalties reaching life imprisonment. If you have been charged with robbery in Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania County, you need an aggressive defense attorney with the experience to fight these charges. Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer provides the dedicated, aggressive defense that robbery charges demand.

What Is Robbery?

Robbery involves taking personal property from another person through force or threats of force. Washington law recognizes two distinct levels: Robbery in the First Degree and Robbery in the Second Degree.

Robbery in the First Degree

Under RCW 9A.56.200, First Degree Robbery occurs when the defendant is armed with a deadly weapon or something appearing to be a deadly weapon, inflicts bodily injury, or robs a financial institution or bank. A "deadly weapon" means a weapon readily capable of causing substantial bodily harm. The inflicted injury need not be intentional under the statute, but the threat of a weapon alone is insufficient -- actual weapon presence or physical manifestation is required.

Robbery in the Second Degree

Second Degree Robbery applies when robbery is alleged without deadly weapon use or injury infliction. It is a Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. Even though the standard range for first-time offenders is only 3 to 9 months in county jail, it is still a "strike" offense with serious long-term consequences.

Weapon Enhancements

Prosecutors frequently pursue weapon enhancements with robbery charges, adding mandatory consecutive time to the sentence:

Defense Strategies

Defense attorneys should request "lesser included offenses" jury instructions, allowing judges to direct juries toward convictions on lesser charges such as Second Degree Robbery (if First Degree is insufficient), assault charges, or misdemeanor theft. This approach may minimize imprisonment time, though it can reduce the chances of outright acquittal.

• Challenging eyewitness identifications and surveillance evidence
• Negotiating charge reductions to avoid strike offenses
• Disputing the use or threat of force element
• Requesting lesser included offense instructions to minimize exposure
• Building alibi and self-defense arguments

If you are facing robbery charges, the stakes could not be higher. Contact Attorney Erin Bradley McAleer at (360) 334-6277 to schedule an immediate confidential consultation. Serious crimes like robbery require a dedicated, aggressive attorney committed to avoiding a conviction.