Robbery Lawyers Sydney
Charged with a robbery offence? Our specialist robbery lawyers in Sydney provide immediate strategic defence to fight your charge and protect your future.
- Expert Defence for Armed & Aggravated Robbery
- Proven Record of Dropped Charges
- Avoid a Criminal Conviction
- Clear Defence Strategy & Legal Advice
Lawyers Available 24/7
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Expert Defence for Robbery Charges
A robbery offence in Sydney is a serious criminal matter under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), carrying severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment and a lasting criminal record.Â
At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our senior criminal lawyers have a formidable track record of achieving exceptional results for clients facing a robbery charge. We focus on building a powerful defence strategy from the outset, aiming to have charges withdrawn early or securing ‘not guilty’ verdicts in court.
Our expertise consistently leads to clients avoiding the harshest penalties. We provide robust legal representation across all types of robbery offences, including:
- Robbery or Stealing from the Person
- Aggravated Robbery
- Armed Robbery
- Robbery in Company
- Robbery with Wounding
- Assault with Intent to Rob or Steal
What is the Offence of Robbery in NSW?
In NSW criminal law, it is crucial to understand what elevates a simple theft, known as larceny, into the far more serious offence of robbery. The defining difference is the use of force or threats. While larceny involves taking property without consent, a robbery charge arises when that property is taken from a person through violence or by putting them in fear.
For you to be found guilty after being charged with robbery, the prosecution must prove three key elements beyond a reasonable doubt. They must establish:
- that you stole property
- that it was taken directly from a person or in their presence, and
- that violence or the threat of violence was used specifically to take the property.
The term ‘violence’ is interpreted broadly and does not require physical injury; a verbal threat or any action that causes a person to fear for their safety can be sufficient. Because this is a serious offence under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), challenging the prosecution’s evidence on these points requires expert legal representation.
Penalties for a Robbery Offence in NSW
The maximum penalty for a robbery charge depends entirely on the specific circumstances of the offence, such as whether a weapon was used, if the act was committed in company, or if the victim sustained an injury.
Most robbery cases are strictly indictable, meaning they are finalised in the District Court, where significant terms of imprisonment can be imposed.
Maximum Penalties for Robbery Offences
The table below outlines the maximum penalties for various types of robbery offences in New South Wales.
| Robbery Offence | Section of Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Robbery or Stealing from the Person | Section 94 | 14 years imprisonment |
| Aggravated Robbery | Section 95 | 20 years imprisonment |
| Robbery in Company | Section 97 | 20 years imprisonment |
| Armed Robbery | Section 97 | 20 years imprisonment |
| Armed Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon | Section 97 | 25 years imprisonment |
| Aggravated Robbery with Wounding | Section 96 | 25 years imprisonment |
| Armed Robbery or Robbery in Company with Wounding | Section 98 | 25 years imprisonment |
It Is Possible to Avoid the Harshest Penalties
While the maximum penalties for a robbery offence are severe, they are reserved for the most serious cases. An experienced criminal defence lawyer from Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers can build a thorough and persuasive case to achieve the best possible outcome.
We meticulously analyse the prosecution’s evidence to challenge every element of the robbery charge. By presenting mitigating factors and arguing for more lenient sentences, we can work towards outcomes such as an Intensive Correction Order or a Community Correction Order, helping you avoid lengthy years of imprisonment and protecting your future.
Pleading 'Not Guilty' to a Robbery Charge
If you choose to plead not guilty, the responsibility falls entirely on the prosecution to prove every element of the robbery offence beyond a reasonable doubt.
At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our role is to dismantle their case. We meticulously analyse all evidence, from witness statements to forensic data, to identify inconsistencies and procedural flaws.
The prosecution must prove that you not only took property from a person but did so with the intent to steal and used violence or the threat of violence to achieve it.
Our criminal defence lawyers will build a robust defence strategy to challenge these specific points, ensuring your case is presented with the strongest possible arguments in court.
Pleading 'Guilty' to a Robbery Charge
Deciding to plead guilty to a robbery charge requires expert legal advice to ensure you receive the most lenient sentence possible.
An early plea can result in a significant discount on your sentence, and our experienced lawyers will guide you on the best time to make this decision to maximise that benefit.
Our focus then shifts to preparing a powerful and persuasive case for sentencing. We gather extensive evidence of your good character, compile compelling references, and present any mitigating factors to the court.
Our Sydney criminal lawyers have a strong track record of arguing for lesser penalties, aiming to secure outcomes like an Intensive Correction Order instead of full-time imprisonment to protect your future.
Potential Defences to a Robbery Charge
A successful defence against a robbery charge hinges on a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of criminal law. Our robbery defence lawyers explore every available legal defence to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution’s narrative. Some of the defences we may use include:
- Claim of Right:Â This defence may apply if you held a genuine, honest belief that you were legally entitled to the property, even if that belief was mistaken.
- Duress:Â We can argue that you were acting under duress if you were forced to commit the robbery offence due to serious threats of harm against you or your family.
- Challenging Identification:Â Witness identification is often unreliable. We scrutinise the process used by police to identify any flaws that could render the evidence inadmissible or cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case.
- Lack of Intent:Â The prosecution must prove you intended to permanently deprive the owner of their property. If we can demonstrate that this specific intent was absent, the robbery charge may not be sustained.
Securing Bail for a Robbery Charge
Due to the serious nature of a robbery offence, securing bail can be extremely challenging. The court must be satisfied that you do not pose an unacceptable risk to the community if released. Getting expert legal representation from a qualified solicitor at this early stage is critical.
The team at Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers has extensive experience in preparing and arguing complex bail applications in both the Local Court and Supreme Court.
We work quickly to assemble a comprehensive application, proposing strict bail conditions such as curfews, reporting obligations, and significant sureties to address the court’s concerns and maximise your chances of being granted bail.
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- Ironclad Defence
We build a powerful & proactive defence from the very beginning. We prepare & identify every weakeness in the prosecution’s case to secure your defence.
- Fierce Advocacy
Our lawyers are your fierce advocates, both in & out of the courtroom. We are committed to protecting your rights, your future, and your peace of mind with fearless representation.
Have Sydney's Best Criminal & Traffic Lawyers On Your Side
When you face a criminal or traffic charge, having a formidable legal team in your corner is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. At Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers, our reputation for relentless advocacy and strategic excellence is why we are consistently involved in significant, high-profile cases.
Our work, often highlighted by the media, demonstrates our commitment to every client. We apply the same level of tenacity and expert skill to your case, ensuring you feel protected and have a clear path forward.
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Why Choose Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers
A Winning Record
With a 99% success rate, we have a proven history of winning robbery cases. We focus on having charges dropped, securing 'not guilty' verdicts, and protecting our clients from criminal convictions.
EXPERT ROBBERY DEFENCE LAWYERS
Our senior lawyers bring over 40 years of combined experience exclusively in criminal law. Their deep understanding of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) and strategic defence approach gives you a significant advantage in Sydney courts.
Free Strategy Session & 24/7 Help
We offer a free, urgent Strategy Session to assess your robbery charge and outline your defence options. Our team is available 24/7 because immediate, expert legal advice is vital when your liberty is at stake.
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FAQs
What is the legal definition of robbery in NSW?
Robbery is a serious criminal offence that combines theft (larceny) with the use of violence or threats of violence to take property directly from a person. For a charge to be proven, the prosecution must establish you intended to steal, took property from a person’s presence, and used force or fear to do so.
What is the difference between robbery and stealing (larceny)?
The key difference is the element of force. Stealing, or larceny, is taking property without consent. A robbery charge is laid when that theft is accompanied by violence or threats used to overpower the victim and take the property. This distinction makes robbery a much more serious offence in criminal law.
What does the prosecution need to prove for a robbery charge?
The prosecution must prove three essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt: that you intended to steal property, that the property was taken directly from a person or in their immediate presence, and that you used violence or the threat of violence to commit the theft. The expert robbery lawyers at Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers specialise in challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove each of these elements.
What are the different types of robbery offences?
Under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), robbery charges vary in severity. The main offences include simple robbery, aggravated robbery, robbery with wounding, armed robbery, and robbery in company. Each has different elements and carries significantly different maximum penalties.
What is considered an armed robbery?
An armed robbery charge applies when you are armed with an ‘offensive weapon or instrument’ during the offence. This is broadly defined and can include anything from firearms and knives to items like broken bottles or syringes used to threaten a person. The maximum penalty increases significantly if the item is classified as a ‘dangerous weapon’.
What does 'robbery in company' mean?
This charge applies when you commit a robbery with at least one other person physically present and involved in the offence. The law considers the intimidating effect of a group, making this a more serious charge than a robbery committed alone, with a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.
What makes a robbery 'aggravated'?
A robbery becomes ‘aggravated’ if, during the offence, you use physical violence, inflict actual bodily harm (e.g., bruises, scratches), or deprive someone of their liberty (e.g., locking them in a room). These circumstances significantly increase the seriousness of the robbery charge and the potential maximum penalty to 20 years.
What are the maximum penalties for a robbery charge in NSW?
The penalties are severe and range from 14 years imprisonment for a basic robbery up to 25 years for the most serious forms, such as armed robbery with a dangerous weapon or robbery that results in wounding or grievous bodily harm.
Will I definitely go to jail if convicted of a robbery offence?
While imprisonment is a common outcome, it is not guaranteed. The maximum penalties are reserved for the worst cases. An experienced criminal lawyer can prepare a powerful sentencing case arguing for less severe penalties, such as an Intensive Correction Order. The team at Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers has a proven track record of achieving these better outcomes.
What is the first thing I should do if I'm charged with robbery?
You should seek expert legal advice immediately. Robbery is a complex and serious offence, and the right advice from the outset is critical. Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers offers a free initial strategy session to discuss your charge and outline your best defence.
Should I plead guilty or not guilty to a robbery charge?
This is a critical decision that should only be made after receiving advice from a specialist criminal lawyer. Pleading not guilty means the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Pleading guilty at an early stage can result in a discounted sentence, but it is vital to have an expert prepare your case to argue for the most lenient outcome.
What are some common defences to a robbery charge?
Defences can include arguing a ‘claim of right’ (a genuine belief you were entitled to the property), duress (you were forced to commit the act under threat), or challenging the identification evidence. A skilled robbery defence lawyer will meticulously examine the police evidence to identify weaknesses and build the strongest possible defence for your case.
Can a robbery charge be dropped before it goes to court?
Yes, it is possible. An experienced criminal defence lawyer can analyse the police evidence for weaknesses or flaws. By presenting these issues to the prosecution, it is often possible to negotiate for the charges to be withdrawn or downgraded to a less serious offence, saving you the stress and cost of a trial.
Is it possible to get bail for a robbery charge?
Securing bail for a robbery charge can be very difficult due to the seriousness of the offence. You must satisfy the court that you are not an unacceptable risk to the community. Having an expert solicitor from Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers prepare and argue your bail application in the Local or Supreme Court is essential to maximise your chances of success.
Which court will handle my robbery case?
Most robbery charges are strictly indictable, meaning they are finalised in the District Court. Only the least serious charge, ‘robbery or stealing from the person’, may sometimes be dealt with in the Local Court. The experienced lawyers at Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers have thousands of court appearances and an expert understanding of both jurisdictions.
Why do I need a specialist robbery lawyer instead of a general lawyer?
Robbery is a complex area of criminal law with severe penalties. A specialist lawyer understands the specific elements of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW), has a deep knowledge of legal defences, and is highly experienced in defending these specific charges in the District Court. This specialist expertise is your best chance at achieving a favourable outcome.
How can Daoud Legal: Sydney Criminal Defence & Traffic Lawyers help with my robbery charge?
Our firm provides an expert defence focused on achieving the best possible result. With over 40 years of combined experience, we meticulously analyse the prosecution’s case to have charges dropped or secure a ‘not guilty’ verdict. If you plead guilty, we build a powerful case to minimise your penalty and help you avoid a lengthy jail sentence.
What is a 'claim of right' defence?
This defence applies if you can show you had a genuine, honest belief that you had a legal right to the property you took. It is not about a moral entitlement, but a belief in a legal one. If this defence is successful, it can negate the element of ‘intent to steal’, which is essential for a robbery conviction.
What happens during the free strategy session?
In your confidential, free strategy session consultation, one of our senior criminal lawyers will carefully review the details of your robbery charge, explain the legal process, discuss your options, and outline a clear and effective defence strategy tailored to your specific situation.
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