If you are facing robbery charges, the difference between a conviction and an acquittal often comes down to the quality of your legal team. Our solicitors for robbery charges have spent years defending clients accused of street robbery, armed robbery, aggravated robbery and muggings under the Theft Act 1968, from the police station through to the Crown Court.
Robbery is an indictable-only offence that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, so instructing a specialist criminal defence solicitor at the earliest stage is essential. Our lawyers will protect your position from your very first interview.
Robbery is an offence under section 8 of the Theft Act 1968. It is theft that is aggravated by the use of force, or the threat of force, immediately before or at the time of the stealing. In plain terms, a person commits robbery when they steal, and in doing so put or seek to put another person in fear of being subjected to force.
Robbery is theft committed with force or the threat of force against a person. It is always tried in the Crown Court and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, which is why instructing a solicitor who specialises in robbery charges as early as possible is so important.
For a conviction, the prosecution must prove both elements: that a theft was committed, and that force, or the threat of force, was used. If either element fails, a robbery charge may reduce to a lesser offence such as theft or assault. Our solicitors routinely challenge these building blocks of the case.
| Offence | Key Feature | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Theft with force or threat of force on a person | Life imprisonment |
| Theft | Dishonest taking of property without force | 7 years imprisonment |
| Burglary | Entering a building as a trespasser to steal | 14 years imprisonment |
Robbery covers a wide range of circumstances, and each type demands a different defence strategy. Below are the main categories our robbery solicitors handle every day.
Street robbery, often called mugging, involves stealing directly from a victim in a public place using the threat of force. These cases frequently turn on identification evidence, and our solicitors carefully test the reliability of any witness or CCTV identification.
Commercial robbery targets shops, banks, post offices and other businesses. It is often treated seriously because of the planning involved and the impact on staff. Our lawyers challenge the evidence of planning intent and any allegations of a weapon being involved.
Armed robbery involves the use or apparent use of a weapon, including firearms, knives or imitation weapons. The starting point for sentencing is far higher. We rigorously examine whether any object actually amounted to a weapon and whether it was genuinely used.
Carjacking is robbery where the property stolen is a vehicle, taken directly from the driver or occupant through force or the threat of force. These charges often involve several defendants, and our solicitors work to establish each individual's true role.
Robbery carries a maximum of life imprisonment, but in practice sentences are guided by the Sentencing Council guidelines and depend heavily on the facts. The table below sets out the typical categorisation.
| Category | Description | Typical Sentencing Range |
|---|---|---|
| Street robbery (lower level) | Low value, minimal force, first offence | Community order to 4 years custody |
| Street robbery (higher level) | Significant force, vulnerable victim, weapon implied | 4 to 12 years custody |
| Commercial robbery | Planning, staff targeted, group involvement | 4 to 12 years custody |
| Armed robbery | Real or imitation weapon used, serious violence | 10 years to life imprisonment |
In our years of defending robbery cases, we have learned that no two cases are the same. Every defence begins with a careful, evidence-led review and a clear strategy agreed with you from the outset.
Many robbery cases rest almost entirely on eyewitness identification or CCTV. Our solicitors scrutinise identification procedures, lighting, distance and any suggestion of mistaken identity.
Robbery requires force or the threat of force. If we can show the taking was not accompanied by force, the charge may reduce to theft, which carries a far lower maximum sentence.
We commission careful reviews of CCTV, cell site data and phone records, often finding material that undermines the prosecution account or supports an alibi.
Where several people are charged together, we establish each person's actual role and challenge whether there was truly a common plan, often securing a lesser charge for our client.
From duress to lack of intent to steal, we identify and present every available legal defence, ensuring the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
If a conviction cannot be avoided, our lawyers prepare detailed mitigation packages to secure the lowest possible sentence, focusing on your background, remorse and rehabilitation.
The honest answer is: as soon as possible, and ideally before you speak to the police. The decisions you make in the hours after an arrest or a knock on the door can shape the entire case.
You are entitled to free and independent legal advice at the police station, and to have a solicitor present during any interview. You should never answer questions about a robbery allegation without a lawyer beside you, even if you believe you have nothing to hide.
Whether you have been arrested, asked to attend a voluntary interview, or simply told police want to speak to you, call us before you say anything.
We attend the police station with you, advise on how to answer, and protect you from making statements that could later be used against you.
We make robust bail applications and begin gathering the evidence needed to challenge the prosecution case.
In robbery cases, early involvement by a specialist solicitor can mean the difference between a charge of theft rather than robbery, bail rather than remand, and a suspended sentence rather than immediate custody. Do not wait until you are charged.
Straightforward answers from our robbery solicitors to the questions we are asked most often.
Theft is the dishonest taking of property belonging to another, without force. Robbery is theft aggravated by the use or threat of force against a person. Because robbery involves force, it is far more serious, is always tried in the Crown Court and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. If force cannot be proved, the charge may be reduced to theft.
Yes. Robbery is a serious offence and custody is the likely outcome in most cases. The maximum is life imprisonment, and armed robbery in particular attracts very long sentences. However, the exact sentence depends on the facts, and strong mitigation from an experienced solicitor can significantly reduce the length of any custodial term.
There is no fixed minimum sentence for every robbery. Lower-level street robberies can result in a community order or a short custodial sentence, while armed or aggravated robberies start at several years of custody. The Sentencing Council guidelines, combined with the specific facts of your case, determine the starting point.
Contact a specialist robbery solicitor immediately and do not answer questions or make any statement until you have received legal advice. You have the right to free and independent representation at the police station. Gather the details of any potential witnesses or alibi evidence, and avoid discussing the matter on social media.
Yes, a robbery charge can be dropped or reduced where the evidence is weak. This often happens when identification evidence is unreliable, when force or the threat of force cannot be established, or when key witnesses withdraw. Our solicitors regularly make representations to the Crown Prosecution Service to have weak charges discontinued.
Legal aid at the police station is free and available to everyone regardless of means. For Crown Court proceedings, legal aid is available to those who pass the means and interests of justice tests. Our team will assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
A robbery charge is serious, but the right legal team can make a real difference. Our solicitors for robbery charges are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to advise you and begin building your defence.
Free and independent legal advice available at the police station. Confidential consultation across England and Wales.