Robbery Lawyer New York, NY
You were walking in Midtown when an officer stopped you, asked questions, and now you are charged with robbery. The arrest felt chaotic—you may not fully understand why the charge was brought or what will happen next. A New York robbery accusation can feel overwhelming, but the initial shock does not have to define your next steps. Early guidance from an experienced defense attorney gives you time to evaluate the allegations, understand the legal process, and begin building your response before the case gains momentum. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has defended people facing robbery allegations in New York City courts since 1997. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Defense Approaches to a Robbery Charge in New York
Robbery accusations often turn on witness identification, surveillance footage, or a dispute about the occurrence itself. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel examine every element the prosecution must prove: that force was used, that property was taken from another person, and that you were the person who committed the act. Challenging the strength of an identification, exposing inconsistencies in witness statements, or showing that the encounter was a misunderstanding rather than a forcible taking are strategies that may apply depending on the facts.
In New York, robbery is a crime of intent; a person must intentionally steal property and use or threaten physical force. If the evidence does not support that a taking occurred, or if force was not involved, the charge may not be sustainable as robbery. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assess whether the facts support a lesser offense—such as larceny or another property charge—which may alter the potential consequences. Because New York courts treat robbery seriously, early investigation is critical. The firm’s approach includes reviewing police reports, locating any available video evidence, and speaking with potential witnesses while recollections are fresh.
What to Expect After a Robbery Arrest in New York City
After an arrest in New York County, you will be scheduled for an arraignment, typically within 24 hours. At that hearing, the court will advise you of the charges and consider bail. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, many non-violent offenses do not require cash bail, but robbery is a qualifying offense and bail can still be set. Whether you are released on your own recognizance, on conditions, or detained, a defense lawyer can advocate for the least restrictive terms at the earliest opportunity. Your first court appearance is not the time to explain your side of the story to the judge; that is something you discuss with your attorney.
Felony robbery cases are handled by New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street. The process after arraignment includes discovery, where the prosecution turns over its evidence, and motion practice, which may challenge the legality of the arrest or the admissibility of certain proof. Indictment by a grand jury is required for felony charges unless waived. Throughout the pretrial phase, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate whether a plea offer is worth considering or whether proceeding to trial is the most appropriate course. Every choice is driven by the specific facts and your personal priorities, not by a formulaic approach.
Penalty Overview for New York Robbery Charges
New York law divides robbery into three degrees, each carrying its own level of severity. The lowest-level charge, robbery in the third degree, involves forcibly stealing property and is a class D felony. Additional factors—such as causing injury, displaying a weapon, or committing the offense with an accomplice—elevate the charge to second-degree robbery (class C felony). Robbery in the first degree, the most serious level, involves causing serious physical injury or being armed with a deadly weapon and is a class B felony. The higher the degree, the greater the potential sentence if convicted. A court’s actual sentence depends on aggravating and mitigating factors unique to each case.
Beyond incarceration, a robbery conviction can have long-term consequences for immigration status, employment, housing, and firearm possession. Because robbery is considered a crime involving moral turpitude, it may trigger removal proceedings for noncitizens. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take these collateral effects into account when discussing possible case outcomes. Every decision—from plea negotiations to trial strategy—considers both the immediate and future impact on your life.
Attorney Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he understands how law enforcement builds a robbery case and where weaknesses are most likely to emerge. He appears regularly in New York City criminal courts and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have secured 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between robbery and larceny in New York?
Robbery is a forcible taking of property from a person, while larceny involves stealing without the use or threat of force. In New York, robbery always includes the element of physical force or intimidation, whereas larceny, such as grand larceny, is a property crime that does not require direct contact with a victim. The force component makes robbery a violent felony with more severe potential penalties. When evidence of force is weak, an attorney may argue that the facts support a non-violent theft charge instead.
For a consultation on how your charge may be categorized, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can you get bail on a robbery charge in New York?
Yes, bail is available for robbery in New York, but the court decides whether to set monetary conditions or release someone on non-monetary terms. Under New York’s 2020 bail reform, many offenses are presumptively released without bail, but robbery is among the offenses for which judges retain discretion to set cash bail or order supervised release. The decision is made at arraignment, where the court considers the seriousness of the charges, the person’s ties to the community, and any prior history. Having an attorney at that first appearance gives you an advocate who can argue for the least restrictive conditions.
Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to speak about your situation.
How does a robbery case proceed in New York County courts?
After an arrest for a felony robbery, the case goes through arraignment, grand jury indictment, discovery, motion practice, and possibly trial in New York County Supreme Court. The New York County Criminal Court handles the initial arraignment for a felony complaint, but the case moves to Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street after indictment. The timeline from arraignment to resolution varies widely based on the complexity of the case, witness availability, and court scheduling. Throughout the process, your attorney can investigate the evidence, negotiate with the prosecution, and challenge the legality of the arrest or any search that led to evidence.
To discuss the specifics of your matter, call (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am accused of robbery in New York City?
If you are accused of robbery, you should not speak with law enforcement about the allegations without an attorney present and should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Statements you make during questioning can be used against you, even if you believe you are explaining your innocence. Ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions. At the same time, preserve any evidence that may help your defense, such as text messages, location data, or witness contact information. The charge can escalate quickly, so early representation gives you the trusted ability to respond thoughtfully.
Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Is robbery a felony in New York?
Yes, all degrees of robbery in New York are felonies, ranging from class D to class B. Robbery in the third degree is a class D felony; second-degree robbery is a class C felony; and first-degree robbery is a class B violent felony. The classification depends on whether a weapon was displayed, whether an injury occurred, and other aggravating circumstances. Because of the felony label, a conviction carries potential state prison time and long-term consequences. A defense strategy may focus on reducing the charge to a non-violent offense or seeking dismissal if the prosecution cannot meet its burden.
For guidance on your charge, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
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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.