Robbery Lawyer New York, NY
If you have been arrested or are under investigation for robbery in New York City, the immediate steps you take can affect the outcome of your case. Robbery is treated as a violent felony under the New York Penal Law and carries the possibility of significant prison time. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals charged with robbery in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the district attorney’s office builds these cases. To request a confidential consultation, call (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Robbery Means in New York
New York defines robbery as forcible stealing. A person commits robbery when, in the course of committing a larceny, he or she uses or threatens the immediate use of physical force upon another person. The purpose of the force must be to overcome resistance to the taking of property or to prevent resistance to the retention of the property immediately after the taking. New York law distinguishes robbery from ordinary theft precisely because of the element of force or intimidation, and the stakes rise accordingly.
Robbery charges in New York are graded by degree, and the classification turns on the presence of aggravating factors. Robbery in the third degree—the baseline felony—occurs when force is used but no one is injured and no weapon is displayed. Robbery in the second degree requires an additional showing, such as being aided by another person actually present, causing physical injury to a non‑participant, or displaying what appears to be a firearm. Robbery in the first degree, the most serious level, requires that the accused caused serious physical injury or was armed with a deadly weapon. Each degree is a felony, and the potential sentence increases dramatically from class D to class B felonies.
In New York County, robbery cases are heard in the New York County Supreme Court Criminal Term at 60 Centre Street, Manhattan, while misdemeanor companion charges may proceed in the NYC Criminal Court. Prosecutors in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office are active in pursuing robbery allegations, and the assigned assistant district attorney will often seek high bail or, after 2020 reform, argue for supervised release conditions or, for eligible violent felony cases, ask the court to set bail or order remand. A conviction for robbery also has lasting collateral consequences, including immigration issues for non‑citizens, difficulty securing employment, and the loss of certain civil rights. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly in these courts and work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every stage.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Robbery Cases
Every robbery case begins with an immediate review of the arrest and the evidence the police and prosecution claim to have. The government’s case often rests on witness identification, surveillance footage, or statements made during a show‑up or lineup. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys scrutinize how the identification procedure was conducted. If the procedure departed from the standards that courts recognize, a motion to suppress the identification may be appropriate. In many cases, the evidence can be challenged because the witness’s initial description does not match the accused or because the suspect was shown in a way that was unduly suggestive.
In matters that advance beyond initial motions, pretrial advocacy includes negotiation with the assigned assistant district attorney. Because Mr. Sris has prosecuted cases, he and the firm’s Of Counsel are familiar with how prosecutors assess the strengths and weaknesses of a file. They can identify cases where a charge may be overcharged—for example, where the interaction does not meet the legal definition of robbery—and present the facts in a way that may lead to a reduction in the charge. For a client with no prior record, the firm may explore an alternative disposition such as a youthful offender adjudication where eligible, or advocate for a county jail sentence rather than state prison. The firm prepares every case as though it will go to trial, and that preparation often creates leverage that leads to a resolution short of a trial.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., concentrates his practice on criminal defense in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He is a former prosecutor, giving him insight into how the district attorney builds a robbery case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring experience in criminal law and work alongside Mr. Sris to develop defense strategies, examine discovery, and prepare for trial. The firm has locations in New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia. To discuss your case with Mr. Sris or a member of the firm’s Of Counsel, call (888) 437‑7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is robbery under New York law?
Robbery is forcible stealing—using or threatening to use physical force while committing a larceny. The force must be for the purpose of taking property or retaining it immediately after the theft. The crime is always a felony because it involves violence or the threat of violence, and it is prosecuted actively in New York City. The specific degree of robbery—third, second, or first—depends on whether a weapon was used, whether anyone was injured, and whether the accused was aided by another person.
What are the penalties for a robbery conviction in New York?
Robbery in the third degree is a class D felony, carrying up to 7 years in prison. Robbery in the second degree is a class C felony, with a maximum of 15 years. Robbery in the first degree is a class B felony, punishable by 5 to 25 years in state prison. In addition, a conviction for a violent felony can result in post‑release supervision, fines, and mandatory surcharges. A felony record also affects employment eligibility, housing applications, and immigration status.
How does New York’s bail reform affect robbery cases?
Because robbery in the first and second degrees is a violent felony, the court may set bail or remand the accused under New York’s bail reform statute. Robbery in the third degree, while a non‑violent felony, is also bail‑eligible under certain circumstances. For other non‑violent offenses, bail has been largely eliminated, but robbery remains an offense where pretrial detention is possible. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys can advocate at the bail hearing to seek release or the least restrictive conditions.
Can a robbery charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, a robbery charge may be reduced or dismissed if the evidence is weak or if a legal defense applies. For example, if the identification procedure was unreliable, counsel may move to suppress it. If the prosecution cannot prove the use or threat of force, the charge may be reduced to grand larceny or petit larceny. In some cases, diversion programs or a negotiated plea to a lesser offense may be available. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate the specific facts to determine an appropriate $1.
Do I need a lawyer if I am arrested for robbery in New York?
Yes—you should request an attorney immediately after arrest and not discuss the case with anyone else. Robbery is a serious violent felony, and anything you say to the police can be used against you. An experienced attorney can protect your rights at the arraignment, argue for release, and begin investigating the case. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel offer confidential consultations and are available by phone 24 hours a day.
How do I choose a robbery defense lawyer in New York City?
Look for a lawyer who is familiar with the courts in the borough where you are charged and who understands how the district attorney’s office handles robbery cases. A former prosecutor, like Mr. Sris, brings insight into how the prosecution evaluates evidence. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys practice in all five boroughs and are familiar with the procedures at the New York County Supreme Court, Kings County Supreme Court, and similar venues. For a consultation, call (888) 437‑7747.
Related locations we serve:
Manhattan Criminal Lawyer |
Brooklyn Criminal Lawyer |
Queens Criminal Lawyer |
Bronx Criminal Lawyer
For further reference on New York criminal law and procedure, you may review the New York Penal Law and the New York State Unified Court System website.
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