Union County Robbery Lawyers

Being accused of robbery in New Jersey is not something most people ever expect to face, yet when it happens, the consequences can feel immediate and overwhelming. One moment, life is moving along as usual, and the next, you are dealing with serious criminal allegations that could affect your future in ways you may not fully understand yet. Continue reading and reach out to the dedicated Union County criminal defense lawyers here at The Mark Law Firm so we can help you fight your robbery charge at every turn.

Robbery Charges in New Jersey

In New Jersey, robbery is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, which lays out exactly what conduct can lead to a robbery charge. While many people assume robbery simply means stealing from someone, the law is actually much more specific and, in many ways, more serious than a standard theft offense.

Under the statute, a person may be charged with robbery if, during the course of committing a theft, they do any of the following:

• Inflict bodily injury or use force upon another person
• Threaten another individual with, or purposely put them in fear of, immediate bodily injury
• Commit or threaten to immediately commit a first- or second-degree crime

This definition is important because it shows that robbery is not just about taking property. It is about the presence of force, intimidation, or the threat of violence during that act. Even situations where no one is actually injured can still result in robbery charges if fear or intimidation is involved.

The phrase “in the course of committing a theft” is also broader than many people realize. It does not just apply to the moment the property is taken. It can include actions that occur while attempting to commit the theft or even while fleeing the scene afterward. Because of this, conduct that might seem minor at first glance can still fall within the scope of the robbery statute.

In most cases, robbery is charged as a second-degree crime in New Jersey. However, the charge can be elevated to a first-degree offense if certain aggravating factors are present, such as the use of a weapon or causing serious bodily injury. This distinction is critical, as it directly impacts the severity of the penalties you may face.

Penalties for Robbery in NJ

Robbery is considered a violent crime under New Jersey law, and as a result, the penalties are significant and often include mandatory prison time. If you are convicted, the consequences may extend far beyond a simple fine or probationary sentence. Here are some of the potential penalties you may face for various robbery charges in New Jersey:

• Second-Degree Robbery
  • 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison
  • Presumption of incarceration, meaning prison is expected even for first-time offenders
  • Fines of up to $150,000
• First-Degree Robbery
  • 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison
  • Mandatory minimum sentence under the No Early Release Act (NERA)
  • Up to $200,000 in fines
• No Early Release Act (NERA) Requirements
  • You must serve at least 85 percent of your sentence before becoming eligible for parole
  • A mandatory period of parole supervision following release
• Additional Consequences
  • A permanent criminal record
  • Difficulty finding employment or housing
  • Loss of certain civil rights

One of the most important things to understand is how the No Early Release Act affects robbery convictions. Unlike some other offenses where early release or parole may be available sooner, NERA requires that the vast majority of the sentence be served. This means that even a lower-end sentence can still result in years of actual time spent in prison.

Contact Our Robbery Lawyers in Union County, NJ

Don’t face robbery charges without a knowledgeable team of criminal defense lawyers who can aggressively defend your rights and future. Contact The Mark Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation today so we can discuss your case.