Robbery Lawyer Manhattan, NY
When you are facing a robbery charge in Manhattan, the stakes are serious. Robbery is a felony offense in New York, and a conviction can carry lengthy prison time and a permanent criminal record. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office prosecutes robbery cases actively, and the courts in New York County, including the New York County Supreme Court Criminal Term at 60 Centre Street, handle a high volume of complex felony cases every day. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. bring decades of criminal defense experience to clients in Manhattan and throughout New York. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, understands how the government builds its case and knows how to challenge evidence, negotiate with the district attorney, and present a well-prepared defense at trial. If you or a member of your family has been arrested or is under investigation for robbery in Manhattan, reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Robbery Means in Manhattan
A robbery charge in Manhattan is prosecuted under the New York Penal Law and is classified based on the circumstances of the alleged offense. The key difference between robbery and theft is the use or threat of physical force. New York distinguishes robbery by degree: third-degree robbery (forcible stealing) is a class D felony, second-degree robbery (aided by another person, causing physical injury, or displaying what appears to be a firearm) is a class C violent felony, and first-degree robbery (armed with a deadly weapon or causing serious physical injury) is a class B violent felony. The Manhattan criminal justice system treats these cases with extreme seriousness, and convictions often result in multi-year prison sentences.
Robbery cases in Manhattan are heard in the New York County Supreme Court Criminal Term, located at 60 Centre Street. This is the same courthouse complex that handles the most serious felonies in the borough. The court follows the Criminal Procedure Law (CPL), including Article 30.30 speedy-trial provisions, and prosecutors must be ready for trial within six months of the commencement of a felony case. While bail reform in 2020 eliminated cash bail for many non-violent offenses, robbery charges, especially second- and first-degree, frequently involve setting bail or other restrictive conditions. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are familiar with the local court practices in Manhattan and understand how to navigate the specific procedures and expectations of the prosecutors and judges who handle these cases.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Robbery Cases
From the moment a client contacts our New York location, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel focus on a thorough investigation of the facts. Many robbery cases in Manhattan involve identification issues, conflicting witness statements, or surveillance footage that can be challenged. The team reviews arrest reports, interviews witnesses, and examines any physical evidence. If the case proceeds to a grand jury, defense counsel can present evidence on the defendant’s behalf. In many instances, the goal is to negotiate a reduction of charges—for example, from a violent felony to a non-violent felony, or to a lesser offense that avoids mandatory incarceration.
The team also evaluates whether any constitutional violations occurred during the arrest, such as an improper search or a suggestive lineup procedure. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he anticipates the moves the district attorney’s office will make and prepares counterarguments early. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel maintain open communication with the client, explaining each step and the potential consequences. If the case cannot be resolved through negotiation, the team is prepared to take it to trial and present a vigorous defense before a jury. Our New York location serves clients throughout Manhattan, and we appear regularly in New York County Supreme Court.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He founded the firm in 1997 and has practiced criminal defense in New York and four other jurisdictions for decades. Before entering private practice, Mr. Sris served as a prosecutor, an experience that gives him unique insight into how law enforcement and district attorneys build robbery cases. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, and he is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive collective experience to every matter the firm handles.
Over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results, allows the firm to address the strategic and procedural challenges that arise in felony cases. Results may vary. The firm’s attorneys have handled criminal matters across multiple jurisdictions, and Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel oversees the strategy in every case the firm accepts. For robbery charges in Manhattan, clients benefit from a team that understands the local court system, knows the relevant prosecutors, and is committed to working toward a favorable outcome.
Under New York Penal Law, robbery penalties range from a class D felony (third-degree, 2‑7 years) to a class C violent felony (second-degree, 3.5‑15 years) to a class B violent felony (first-degree, 5‑25 years).
Source: New York Penal Law classification, confirmed against verified local court data for New York County (Manhattan). New York Senate Penal Law
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is robbery under New York law?
Robbery is forcible stealing—taking property from another person by using or threatening immediate physical force. Under New York Penal Law, robbery is distinguished from larceny (theft) by the element of force or intimidation. The offense is charged in three degrees: third-degree robbery involves simple forcible stealing; second-degree robbery includes aggravating factors such as being aided by another person, causing physical injury, or displaying what appears to be a firearm; and first-degree robbery involves being armed with a deadly weapon or causing serious physical injury. Each degree is a felony, and a conviction results in a permanent criminal record. Because of the severe potential consequences, anyone facing a robbery charge should seek experienced defense counsel right away. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for a robbery conviction in New York?
Robbery carries significant felony penalties that escalate based on the degree of the charge. A third-degree robbery (class D felony) is punishable by a determinate prison sentence of 2 to 7 years, though first-time offenders may be eligible for probation. Second-degree robbery (class C violent felony) carries a sentence of 3.5 to 15 years, and first-degree robbery (class B violent felony) carries a sentence of 5 to 25 years. In addition to incarceration, a conviction may result in fines, mandatory surcharges, and post-release supervision. A felony record can also affect employment, housing, and immigration status. Because the potential exposure is so high, having a well-prepared defense is critical. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does a robbery case proceed in Manhattan?
A robbery arrest in Manhattan typically begins with an arraignment in New York County Criminal Court, after which the case may be indicted and transferred to New York County Supreme Court Criminal Term for felony prosecution. At the arraignment, bail is set and the defendant is formally advised of the charges. If the case is presented to a grand jury and an indictment is returned, the matter proceeds in the felony part. Pre-trial motion practice, such as challenging the legality of the arrest or seeking suppression of evidence, is common. If a plea agreement is not reached, the case will be scheduled for trial. Throughout this process, the district attorney must comply with the Criminal Procedure Law’s speedy-trial requirements. Having counsel who practices regularly in these courts helps ensure that deadlines are met and all available defenses are raised.
Do I need a lawyer if I am charged with robbery in Manhattan?
Yes—you absolutely need a criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with robbery in Manhattan. Even at the earliest stages, statements you make to law enforcement can be used against you, and a conviction can lead to years in prison and a permanent felony record. An experienced lawyer can evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and negotiate with the district attorney’s office for a possible reduction of charges. In many instances, early intervention by counsel can mean the difference between a lengthy prison term and a significantly better outcome. You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning and at every court appearance. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What defenses may be available against a robbery charge?
Common defenses to robbery in New York include mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal or use force, alibi, and constitutional violations during the investigation. Because many robbery cases rely on eyewitness identification, challenging the reliability of a lineup or photo array can be central to the defense. Surveillance footage and cell phone records may also contradict the prosecution’s version of events. In some situations, the defendant may have a claim of right to the property or may not have been the person who used force. If the police conducted an unlawful search or failed to give proper warnings, evidence may be suppressed. Every case is different, and the defense strategy must be tailored to the specific facts. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am arrested for robbery in Manhattan?
If you are arrested for robbery in Manhattan, the most important step you can take is to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone except your lawyer. Even seemingly innocent statements can be misconstrued and used against you later. Write down everything you remember about the incident and any potential witnesses while it is fresh. Do not post about the arrest on social media. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible—early involvement allows your counsel to begin gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and, if applicable, seeking favorable bail conditions. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747. Our New York location serves clients throughout Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.
Robbery defense resources in nearby boroughs and counties:
Robbery Lawyer Brooklyn, NY · Robbery Lawyer Queens, NY · Robbery Lawyer Bronx, NY · Robbery Lawyer Staten Island, NY · Robbery Lawyer Nassau County, NY
New York primary legal sources:
New York Penal Law · NY County Supreme Court – Manhattan · New York Criminal Procedure Law
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. New York Location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. By appointment. Call (888) 437-7747 to schedule.