Robbery Lawyer in Columbus

Former-Prosecutor Insight for Your Columbus Robbery Defense

Robbery allegations can arise from parking lot confrontations, claims that force was used during a shoplifting incident, or disputes that escalate into accusations of theft and threats. In Franklin County and other Central Ohio courts, the prosecution must prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, including intent to commit the alleged theft and any claimed use of force or threats. As Columbus robbery attorneys, we examine the incident, your interactions with law enforcement, and witness accounts for gaps in the state’s evidence. Under ORC § 2911.02, robbery requires:

• Committing or attempting to commit a theft, or fleeing immediately after the attempt or offense,
  • while having a deadly weapon on or about their person or under their control, or
  • while inflicting, attempting to inflict, or threatening to inflict physical harm on another, or
  • while using or threatening the immediate use of force against another.

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

Potential Penalties for Robbery in Ohio

Unlike theft alone, robbery requires one of the weapon, physical-harm, or force allegations listed above. Under Ohio law, robbery involving a deadly weapon or physical harm is a second-degree felony. Depending on the applicable sentencing provisions, a conviction can carry a stated minimum prison term of 2 to 8 years and a fine of up to $15,000. Robbery based on the use or threatened immediate use of force is a third-degree felony, which generally carries a prison term of 9 to 36 months and a fine of up to $10,000. The sentence in a particular case can depend on the alleged conduct, prior criminal history, any weapon or firearm specifications, and the sentencing provisions applicable at the time of the offense.

Beyond prison and fines, a robbery conviction can affect your ability to find work, secure housing, or obtain certain professional licenses. Felony proceedings may take place in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Where the facts and law support it, we may challenge the evidence, seek reduced charges, or negotiate for alternatives to prison.

Everyone accused of robbery or another criminal offense is presumed innocent. We build each defense around the facts and pursue available legal options. When you contact us after an arrest or 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. We act quickly when necessary, 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

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. This work may begin during an investigation or after proceedings start in Franklin County or a nearby jurisdiction, including the Franklin County Municipal Court.

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. Potential defense issues can include mistaken identity, inconsistent or incomplete witness accounts, lack of intent to commit a theft offense, insufficient proof of force or threats, and questions about whether evidence was obtained through an unconstitutional search or interrogation. We consult with investigators, review physical and digital evidence, and evaluate whether the state can prove each required element beyond a reasonable doubt. 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.

Douglas A. Funkhouser brings a former-prosecutor perspective to every robbery defense. Having served as a U.S. Army prosecutor before founding our firm in 2000, he understands how the government builds these cases and what the state must establish at each stage. With over 3,000 cases handled and more than 30 years of legal experience, we identify suppression issues, evaluate the reliability of evidence, and prepare a defense suited to the specific facts of your case. We also explain plea offers, hearings, and trial decisions so you can make informed choices at each stage.

If you’ve been arrested, charged, or investigated for robbery, call Funkhouser Law at (614) 756-2154 for a free consultation with an experienced, peer-rated lawyer.