Columbus Robbery Lawyer

ORC § 2911.02

Elements of Robbery

• Committing or attempting to commit a theft,
  • With a deadly weapon, or
  • While inflicting or threatening to inflict physical harm on another.

In real cases, allegations of robbery can arise from a wide range of situations, such as confrontations in parking lots, allegations of force used during a shoplifting incident, or disputes that escalate into accusations of theft with threats. The prosecution in Franklin County and other Central Ohio courts must still prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, including your intent to steal and whether force or threats were actually used. As a robbery attorney that Columbus defendants can turn to, we evaluate the specific facts of your encounter with law enforcement and any witnesses to identify weaknesses in the claimed elements of the offense.

Call Funkhouser Law at (614) 756-2154 or use our online contact form to request a free consultation.

Potential Penalties

Robbery is distinguished from the lesser crime of theft in that there is an extra element of actual or potential harm. Robbery can be a second-degree felony with a prison term of 2-8 years and a fine of up to $15,000, or a third-degree felony with a prison term of 1-5 years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Beyond the potential prison time and fines, a robbery conviction in Columbus can affect nearly every part of your life, including your ability to find work, secure housing, or obtain certain professional licenses. Courts in Franklin County, such as the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, treat these charges seriously because of the alleged risk to public safety, and prosecutors often pursue lengthy sentences. We look for opportunities to challenge the strength of the evidence, argue for reduced charges, or negotiate for alternatives to prison where appropriate, always with an eye on protecting your future.

At Funkhouser Law, we know that everyone accused of robbery, or any other criminal offense, is presumed innocent. As such, we work hard to accomplish the most favorable outcome for each of our clients. When you contact us after an arrest or an investigation for robbery, we take the time to listen to your side of the story, explain the potential consequences, and outline the steps in the criminal process in Columbus and surrounding Central Ohio communities. A robbery lawyer Columbus residents hire must be prepared to act quickly, whether that means advising you before an interview with police, appearing with you at your first court date, or beginning an immediate investigation into surveillance footage or witness statements. We draw on our years of practice to develop a defense strategy that fits your situation rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Defending Robbery Charges in Columbus Courts

Facing a robbery charge can be overwhelming, and many people are unsure what practical steps a defense lawyer will actually take on their behalf. In Franklin County and nearby jurisdictions, robbery cases often move quickly from arrest to arraignment in the Franklin County Municipal Court and then, if indicted, to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. We begin by reviewing the circumstances of your arrest, the police reports, and any available recordings to determine whether your rights were respected and whether there are grounds to suppress evidence. Throughout this process, we keep you informed so you can make decisions about plea offers, hearings, and trials with a clear understanding of your options.

Building a strong defense frequently involves challenging how the prosecution identifies you as the alleged offender, especially if the case relies on eyewitness testimony or unclear video footage. We may consult with investigators, review any physical or digital evidence, and evaluate whether the state can actually prove each required element of robbery under Ohio law. In some situations, it may be appropriate to argue that the facts more accurately fit a lesser offense or that there was no intent to commit a theft at all. Our goal is to protect your record and your freedom while guiding you step by step through the Columbus criminal justice system.

If you have been accused of robbery, please call Funkhouser Law at (614) 756-2154 for a free consultation with an experienced peer-rated lawyer.