Adam Goodman - Toronto Robbery Lawyer
The offence of robbery is a very broad one and can encompass criminal charges laid under a number of different circumstances. The simple definition of robbery is that it involves stealing with the use of violence or threats of violence, either before or after the stealing occurred, or an assault with an intention to steal, or steals while armed with a real or imitation offensive weapon. This differs from theft which is an offence that does not involve the use of violence.
The offence of robbery is defined in s. 343 of the Criminal Code of Canada as follows: Every one commits robbery who, a) steals, and for the purpose of extorting whatever is stolen or to prevent or overcome resistance to the stealing, uses violence or threats of violence to a person or property; b) steals from any person and, at the time he steals or immediately before or immediately thereafter, wounds, beats, strikes or uses any personal violence to that person; c) assaults any person with intent to steal from him; or d) steals from any person while armed with an offensive weapon or imitation thereof.
As can be seen, robbery may cover a range of different circumstances such as taking a small amount of change from an individual by threat or a bank robbery. The charge however is a straight indictable offence.
Sentencing for various types of robbery, like any sentencing case, will vary based on the aggravating and mitigating circumstances of both the offence and the offender and could range from an absolute or conditional discharge to a substantial term in the penitentiary. The offence carries a maximum term of ilife imprisonment.
In cases where a firearm is used in the commission of the robbery, there is a mandatory minimum punishment of four years in the penitentiary.
Like any case, the Crown must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, all of the essential elements of the offence.
Having an experienced criminal lawyer on your side who understands what the Crown must prove as well as any potential defences to the charge will help protect your rights in court. Adam Goodman has experience defending those charged with criminal offences in Toronto, York Region (Newmarket courthouse), and Peel Region (Brampton courthouse), and elsewhere in the Province of Ontario. Contact Toronto Criminal Lawyer Adam Goodman today at 416-477-6793.
