Minnesota Robbery Lawyer
Charged With Robbery in Minnesota?
If you are facing robbery charges in Minnesota, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. Robbery is not a charge you can talk your way out of. One wrong move can change your life.
Robbery lawyer Max Keller is a former Minnesota prosecutor who brings insider knowledge to your defense. He has seen these cases from both sides of the courtroom, and he knows how quickly a robbery allegation can escalate into years behind bars.
If you are convicted of aggravated robbery, armed robbery, or any felony-level theft involving force or threat, the penalties can be severe. Prison time, massive fines, and the lifelong impact of a felony record are all possibilities. You cannot afford hesitation, and you cannot afford to face the state alone.
Find out if our Minnesota robbery lawyers can get your charges reduced or eliminated. Call (952) 913-1421 for a free consultation.
We provide free initial consultations to all clients. To schedule an appointment, contact us Today.
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We provide free initial consultations to all clients. To schedule an appointment, contact us Today.
Is Robbery a Felony Charge in Minnesota?
Robbery in Minnesota is a serious felony offense. As a violent crime, robbery is treated more aggressively than most other types of theft crimes. A conviction can put you in prison for years, and in some cases, decades, depending on the level of force involved and whether a weapon was used or implied.
In addition to prison time and significant fines, a robbery conviction places a permanent felony on your record. That felony follows you everywhere. It affects employment, housing, background checks, financial aid, and your ability to legally possess a firearm.
You should have a robbery lawyer involved as soon as you are arrested or even suspected of the crime. Acting early gives you the best chance of protecting your freedom.
What Considered Robbery in Minnesota?
People often confuse robbery charges with burglary charges or simple theft. These are completely different crimes under Minnesota law. Robbery requires taking property directly from a person through force or threat of force. Burglary involves entering a building without consent. Theft involves taking property without the use of force.
Robbery charges arise from situations such as:
- Taking property from someone using force
- Threatening force to steal something
- Implying the presence of a weapon
- Using an actual weapon
- Carjackings
- Mugging a victim
- Forceful purse snatching
- Stealing property during a confrontation or fight
If there is a victim and the state claims force or threat was present, you are likely facing a robbery charge, not simple theft.
What Are the Types of Robbery Charges in Minnesota?
Minnesota divides robbery into three main categories, each carrying different penalties. The degree of robbery depends on the facts, the amount of force used, and whether a weapon was involved.
First Degree Aggravated Robbery
This occurs when a dangerous weapon is used during the theft. A firearm, knife, or any object used as a weapon can elevate the charge. Serious injury to the victim also pushes the charge into first degree territory.
Second Degree Aggravated Robbery
This applies when the offender implies that a dangerous weapon is present, even if no weapon is actually used or recovered. The threat alone is enough for the state to classify it as second degree aggravated robbery.
Simple Robbery
Simple robbery occurs when someone uses force or threatens force to steal property but does not use or imply a dangerous weapon. Although called “simple,” the charge still carries heavy penalties and can result in a long prison sentence.
What Are the Penalties for Robbery in Minnesota?
Robbery charges carry significant criminal penalties in Minnesota. They vary based on the value of the property, the type of property stolen, where the property was stolen from, whether the defendant inflicted bodily harm, and other circumstances of how the crime was allegedly committed.
Penalties for Simple Robbery
If you receive a conviction for simple robbery, you may face up to 10 years in prison and as much as $20,000 in fines.
Penalties for Second Degree Aggravated Robbery
People convicted of second degree aggravated robbery could face up to 15 years in prison and as much as $30,000 in fines.
Penalties for First Degree Aggravated Robbery
A first degree aggravated robbery conviction is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $35,000 in fines.
Simply acting as an accomplice in such a crime may also lead to penalties.
Increased Penalties for Robbery Convictions in the Twin Cities
If you are found guilty of robbery in Minnesota, your penalties may be increased under certain circumstances. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, penalties may increase if:
- The defendant used a deadly weapon
- The victim suffered bodily harm
- The defendant has a prior robbery or violent crime conviction
- The crime occurred during another felony
Judges in Hennepin and Ramsey County take robbery cases seriously, and prosecutors pursue maximum penalties whenever possible.
Other Consequences of a Robbery Conviction
A robbery conviction affects your life long after your sentence. Consequences include:
- Loss of firearm rights
- Difficulty securing employment
- Barriers to renting or living in certain communities
- Restrictions on professional licensing
- Loss of eligibility for student financial aid
- Problems with immigration status for non-citizens
The long-term fallout is often worse than the sentence itself.
Other Possible Penalties for Robbery
In Minnesota, robbery lawyers may be able to negotiate alternatives such as:
- Probation
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Reduced charges
- Lower sentencing guidelines
First-time offenders may have more options available, but only if they bring in a defense lawyer early enough to make a difference.
Our robbery lawyers in Minnesota can explain your options and help you understand the penalties you may face if convicted.
Why Should You Hire a Robbery Lawyer?
If you are charged with robbery in Minnesota, you are at risk of spending years in prison. Without a robbery attorney on your side, the odds are stacked against you. Prosecutors take these cases seriously because they involve threats, force, or weapons. You need someone who understands the law, knows how prosecutors think, and knows how to challenge the state’s evidence.
Experienced robbery lawyers can:
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Challenge witness statements
- Review surveillance footage or digital evidence
- Attack improper police procedures
- Negotiate favorable plea deals
- Present strong defenses at trial
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, robbery attorney Max Keller brings more than 25 years of criminal law experience to every case. He has defended clients facing robbery and robbery-related charges throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities. His background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into how the state builds cases, and how to dismantle them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery Charges
Can robbery charges be reduced in Minnesota?
Yes. Robbery charges can be reduced depending on the strength of the evidence, the presence or absence of a weapon, witness credibility, and your criminal history.
Sometimes charges can be negotiated down to theft, disorderly conduct, or another offense with far fewer consequences. A robbery lawyer evaluates every detail of the case to determine where the weaknesses are and what options you have.
What should I do if the police want to question me about a robbery?
Do not answer questions without an attorney.
Police interviews are designed to gather information that will be used against you. Even simple statements can be misunderstood or taken out of context. You have the right to stay silent and the right to ask for a lawyer. Use those rights immediately.
What does the prosecution need to prove in a Minnesota robbery case?
To convict you of robbery, the prosecution must prove that you took property from another person and that force, threat, or implied threat was used.
In aggravated cases, they must also prove the presence or implied presence of a dangerous weapon. A strong defense focuses on challenging each element, examining witness testimony, and reviewing any video or digital evidence.
Do I have defenses if I was identified in a lineup or on video?
Yes. Eyewitness identification is often unreliable, especially under stress or poor lighting.
Video footage can be unclear, misinterpreted, or incomplete. A robbery attorney looks at how the identification was made, whether the process was suggestive, and whether the video actually shows what the state claims it does.
Can I be charged with robbery even if I didn’t actually take anything?
Yes. Minnesota law allows robbery charges even if the property was not successfully taken.
The attempted taking, combined with force or threat, may be enough for the state to file charges. Your lawyer will examine whether the elements of robbery were actually met and whether the state can prove intent.
Am I still responsible if someone else committed the robbery, but I was present?
Possibly. Minnesota has strict accomplice liability laws.
If the state believes you intentionally aided or encouraged the crime in any way, they may charge you as if you committed it yourself. A defense lawyer can challenge the state’s assumptions about your role, your intent, and your level of involvement.
Does a robbery conviction affect gun rights?
Yes. A robbery conviction is a felony, and felonies result in the loss of firearm rights in Minnesota.
Regaining those rights requires a court petition and, in many cases, significant waiting periods. Avoiding a felony conviction is crucial if protecting your firearm rights matters to you.
How does a robbery conviction affect immigration status?
Robbery is considered a crime of violence and can lead to deportation, denial of naturalization, or removal proceedings for non-citizens.
Even lawful permanent residents face serious immigration risks. Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen should contact a robbery lawyer immediately to avoid consequences that could affect their future.
Will a robbery conviction always lead to prison time?
Not always. While robbery charges carry harsh penalties, some defendants may be eligible for probation, reduced charges, or alternative sentences.
Factors like lack of criminal history, cooperation, and the specifics of the incident can influence the outcome. A defense attorney will examine every angle to determine whether a non-prison resolution is possible.
How long does a robbery case take in Minnesota?
Robbery cases can move quickly in the early stages, then slow down as evidence is reviewed.
Some resolve in a few months, while others take a year or longer if the case goes to trial. The timeline depends on the complexity of the evidence, the court’s schedule, and how aggressively the prosecution pursues the case.
Can the victim drop robbery charges?
Victims cannot drop charges. Only the prosecutor can.
Even if the victim wants the case dismissed, the state often continues forward. That means you still need a skilled robbery lawyer to negotiate, challenge the evidence, and build the strongest defense.
What if the robbery accusation is false or exaggerated?
False accusations happen. Misidentification happens. Stories change. If the accusation is exaggerated or not supported by evidence, a robbery lawyer will highlight those inconsistencies. This may result in reduced charges, dismissal, or an acquittal at trial.
What should I expect at my first court appearance for robbery?
Your first appearance is typically an arraignment. The judge explains the charges, sets conditions of release, and confirms legal representation. This hearing sets the tone for your case. Having an attorney present is the best way to protect yourself and avoid unnecessary restrictions.
Contact a Robbery Lawyer at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys in Minnesota
The sooner you call, the sooner we can start building your defense. Time matters in robbery cases. Witness memories fade. Evidence disappears. Prosecutors move fast.
Our criminal defense team is available 24/7 for people facing robbery charges.
To schedule your free consultation with robbery lawyer Max Keller, please contact us online or call (952) 913-1421.