Robbery charges in Pennsylvania deserve every amount of attention that you give it. These are serious charges that can be potentially life altering. Defendants may feel overwhelmed at the charges or as if there is no possible way to defend themselves. The truth is that there are circumstances that remove your culpability.
On one hand, if there is no evidence that you performed the robbery, then you can maintain innocence. FindLaw states that the government has the burden of proof. A defendant may attack the evidence and offer evidence that undermines the case.
Other defenses include:
- Duress
- Entrapment
- Involuntary intoxication
Under duress means that you committed the robbery under threat of physical violence. In this circumstance, you have to have sufficient fear that you risk death or injury by not performing the robbery. This does not work if you can avoid the robbery. Entrapment is a complex defense. The officer or robbed individual has to instigate the event to bring charges against you. You cannot intend to rob in the first place.
Intoxication that occurs without your consent is intoxication that passes as a defense. If you commit a crime under the influence of drugs that you unknowingly take, then you cannot control your actions. This is different from willfully drinking and committing a crime.
While some defenses will not destroy the robbery charge entirely, a good defense can reduce charges. For instance, if you conducted a robbery while drinking, you may not have had the necessary intent to commit the crime.
None of the above article is to be taken as legal advice. It is for educational purposes.
