Robbery Lawyer Westchester County, NY

You were walking home from the White Plains train station after a long day when a police officer stopped you and said you matched the description of a suspect in a robbery at a nearby convenience store. Now you are sitting in a holding cell at the Westchester County jail, facing felony charges that could send you to state prison for years. The accusation feels surreal, but the consequences are very real. In Westchester County, a robbery charge is serious—prosecutors pursue these cases actively, and the district attorney’s office has the resources to build a complex case against you. You need an experienced robbery lawyer who understands the Westchester County courts, the prosecutors, and the trusted ways to challenge the evidence. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals accused of robbery in Westchester County, and Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, leads a team of dedicated Of Counsel. The firm has handled thousands of criminal cases since 1997. If you or a loved one is under investigation or already charged with robbery in White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, or anywhere in Westchester County, call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Robbery Charges Mean in Westchester County

Robbery in New York is not simply theft. Under the New York Penal Law, robbery is a forcible stealing—taking property from another person by using or threatening immediate physical force. This distinguishes robbery from larceny or shoplifting. Westchester County prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally took property, that you used or threatened force, and that you did so without the owner’s consent. The degree of the charge depends on factors such as whether a weapon was displayed, whether anyone was injured, and the value of the property taken. A robbery allegation can range from third-degree robbery (a Class D felony) up to first-degree robbery (a Class B violent felony), with vastly different sentencing exposure.

All felony robbery cases in Westchester County are ultimately resolved in the Westchester County Supreme Court Criminal Term, located at 111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in White Plains. Misdemeanor and lower-level offenses are handled in the Westchester County Criminal Court. The 9th Judicial District, which includes Westchester, Putnam, and other Hudson Valley counties, has procedural rules and local practices that an experienced defense team must navigate. For example, New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for many non-violent felonies, but robbery—particularly first- and second-degree robbery—remains a “qualifying offense” for which bail or remand can still be ordered. A skilled robbery lawyer will raise every available argument at arraignment to keep you released while the case is pending.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Robbery Cases

When you hire Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel immediately begin investigating the facts. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris knows how the Westchester County District Attorney’s office builds robbery cases—he can anticipate the prosecution’s moves and identify weaknesses in the evidence. The defense team examines whether there are problems with identification, such as a suggestive lineup or unreliable eyewitness testimony. They scrutinize surveillance video, cell phone records, and the police reports for any procedural violations that could lead to suppression of evidence or even dismissal of the charge.

Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel engage in robust negotiations with the prosecutor while simultaneously preparing every case for trial. Many robbery charges are reduced or dismissed when the defense exposes flaws in the state’s case. If the matter does go to trial, the team has extensive courtroom experience before both the Westchester County Criminal Court and the Supreme Court. They cross-examine witnesses, challenge forensic evidence, and present a compelling defense to the jury. The firm’s goal is always to achieve favorable outcomes given the specific facts of your case. Results may vary.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced criminal defense since 1997. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background as a prosecutor gives him a unique perspective on how the state builds a robbery case—and how to dismantle it. Mr. Sris keeps a small personal caseload so he can devote significant attention to each matter; his Of Counsel, all highly experienced attorneys, collaborate with him to provide thorough representation. Together they bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery Charges in Westchester County

What is robbery in New York?

Robbery is the forcible taking of property from another person with the use or threat of immediate physical force, as defined in the New York Penal Law. It differs from larceny because it involves a personal victim and an element of force or intimidation. The degree of robbery—first, second, or third—depends on factors such as whether the defendant was armed with a deadly weapon, whether the victim suffered a physical injury, or whether the property taken was a motor vehicle. Prosecutors in Westchester County take robbery charges very seriously, and convictions can lead to lengthy state prison sentences.

What are the possible penalties for a robbery conviction in Westchester County?

A robbery conviction carries significant prison time, with the specific sentence depending on the degree of the offense and any aggravating circumstances. Third-degree robbery is a Class D felony and can result in a state prison term. First-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony, exposes a person to a determinate sentence of 5 to 25 years. The actual sentence will be influenced by the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether a plea agreement is reached. The criminal justice process in Westchester County allows for negotiations that may reduce the charge or secure a more favorable outcome, but every case is unique.

How can a lawyer help with a robbery charge in Westchester County?

An experienced robbery lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and, if necessary, take your case to trial to protect your rights and freedom. Early intervention is critical—an attorney can attend your arraignment, argue for your release without bail or on reasonable conditions, and start poking holes in the state’s evidence immediately. Common defense strategies include challenging the reliability of eyewitness identifications, exposing violations of search-and-seizure laws, and demonstrating that the alleged victim’s account is not credible. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have handled thousands of felony cases and know the Westchester County court system thoroughly.

What should I do if I am arrested for robbery in Westchester County?

If you are arrested, remain silent and request an attorney immediately—do not speak to the police or anyone else about the allegations. Anything you say can be used against you. You have the right to have a lawyer present during any questioning. After asserting your right to counsel, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. An early intervention can make a significant difference in how your case unfolds. Gather and preserve any documents, messages, or other evidence that could support your account of events, and share them only with your lawyer.

How are robbery cases handled in Westchester County courts?

Felony robbery cases typically begin in Westchester County Criminal Court for arraignment and preliminary matters, then move to the Westchester County Supreme Court Criminal Term for indictment and trial. The process includes a grand jury proceeding where the district attorney presents evidence to obtain an indictment. The defense may challenge the legal sufficiency of the indictment, file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, and engage in plea negotiations with the assistant district attorney. The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, the court calendar, and whether a resolution is reached before trial. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the local procedures and have appeared regularly before the judges in White Plains.

Can a robbery charge be reduced or dismissed?

Yes, a robbery charge can sometimes be reduced to a lesser offense or even dismissed entirely, depending on the strength of the evidence and any procedural defects in the prosecution’s case. For example, if the arrest was based on an unconstitutional stop or if the identification procedure was unduly suggestive, the defense may successfully move to suppress key evidence. Prosecutors may also agree to reduce a robbery charge to a non-violent felony or misdemeanor when the evidence of force or weapon use is weak. Every case is fact-specific; your best opportunity for a favorable result comes from having a knowledgeable attorney review the entire file and advocate actively on your behalf.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Results may vary.