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Have You Been Charged With Armed Robbery in Illinois?

Armed robbery is a serious offense in Illinois that carries heavy fines, probation, and imprisonment. Facing such serious consequences and navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and complicated. Our team at Glasgow & Olsson aggressively defends our clients and seeks the best possible resolution to their cases. 

What is an Armed Robbery Charge in Illinois? 

Illinois state law breaks down armed robbery by first defining what robbery is. A robbery charge occurs when a person knowingly takes property from another person by use of force or by threatening the use of force. 

Armed robbery adds additional elements, including that the individual is carrying a dangerous weapon or firearm on or near their person, and that the firearm is used during the commission of an offense. It is important to note that you do not need to use a gun to be charged with armed robbery but could include a knife, ax, or another deadly weapon. The individual charged is the person who actually pulls the trigger or uses the weapon in a harmful way. The use of this weapon then proximately causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement, or death to another individual. 

In other words, the State has to prove the following elements to secure a conviction: 

  • A person knowingly took property away from another individual without their consent; 
  • The person used or threatened to use a dangerous weapon or firearm; and 
  • The person’s use of a dangerous weapon or firearm caused harm to another individual. 

What are the Penalties for an Armed Robbery Conviction? 

When charged with armed robbery, it is important to immediately speak with a criminal defense lawyer. Penalties for armed robbery depend on the nature of the crime, injuries caused, the defendant’s criminal history, and more. Under state law, armed robbery is a Class X felony. Class X felonies are the most serious classification of offenses in the state and come with a mandatory six- to 30-year prison sentence. Further, because of the serious nature of these offenses, an individual convicted of a Class X felony is not eligible for probation. 

On top of the punishments for a Class X felony, Illinois also has mandatory firearm sentence enhancements. If the individual who committed armed robbery and either possessed or discharged a firearm, their sentence will be extended by 15 years to life.   

Are There Any Defenses to Armed Robbery?

Our attorneys have experience in gathering the appropriate information to build a strong and effective defense for our clients. There are many potential defenses to armed robbery, including, but not limited to, insanity, intoxication, self-defense, and more. We use the facts of your case to determine the best defense for you to ensure justice in your case. 

If you need representation for a criminal charge in Cook County, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help. When you need an attorney, experience matters. Contact us today to learn more about our aggressive defense of armed robbery or bank robbery charges and how our experience can get you the results you deserve.