Houston Robbery Attorney

Experienced Defense Against Robbery Charges in Texas

Facing a robbery charge in Texas brings serious legal challenges and consequences, including long prison terms and hefty fines. Whether the charge involves bodily injury or escalates to aggravated robbery, the penalties can completely alter your future. If you are charged in Houston, you need skilled legal representation to protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. A robbery attorney in Houston with experience handling violent crime cases can help you navigate the complex landscape of Texas robbery laws.

Are you facing robbery charges and unsure where to turn? Call Guy L. Womack & Associates, P.C. today at (713) 364-9913 or contact us online to start building your defense!

What is Robbery?

Robbery is a theft crime that involves taking another person's property by way of:

• Force
• Physical violence
• Threats

This offense differs from simple theft, as it qualifies as a violent crime. Even if the theft does not succeed, attempting to take property using threats or force counts as robbery in Texas. Robbery is charged as a felony, punishable by state prison time and financial penalties.

Texas Penal Code Section 29.02 makes robbery a second-degree felony when someone intentionally causes bodily injury or threatens another during a theft. In Houston, law enforcement and prosecutors pursue robbery offenses strongly, so a defense attorney must prepare thoroughly for every case. The Houston Police Department investigates many robbery cases, and Harris County criminal courts have considerable experience handling these violent felony cases.

Robbery with Bodily Injury

In Texas, robbery with bodily injury happens when someone intentionally or recklessly harms another person while committing theft. This could mean hitting the victim, pushing them, causing any kind of physical harm, or threatening harm, as well as creating genuine fear of injury. The robbery charge stands even when the attempted theft fails, if force or threats were involved.

Charges rely on detailed facts about the incident. For example, Harris County courts examine how severe the injury was, the victim’s age, and whether physical evidence supports claims of force or threats. If investigators believe bodily harm occurred, prosecutors may file charges quickly. After any accusation, understanding police evidence and legal definitions is key. A defense lawyer can evaluate whether identity, level of force, or threats match Texas law for robbery charges.

Key elements of robbery with bodily injury include:

• Intentional or Reckless Harm: Inflicting bodily injury on the victim during a theft.
• Threats of Injury: Intentionally threatening harm to the victim to obtain the property.
• Reasonable Fear of Injury: Placing the victim in fear that they will be harmed during the commission of the theft.

Robbery with bodily injury is a second-degree felony under Texas law. If convicted, you could face:

• Up to 20 years in state prison
• Fines of up to $10,000

Because robbery involves violence or threats, a conviction brings serious and lasting penalties. An attorney can thoroughly review your case to identify the strongest possible defense and help limit the penalties you may face.

What is Aggravated Robbery?

Aggravated robbery carries even more severe consequences in Texas. This charge applies when someone uses a weapon or causes serious bodily injury during the robbery. Texas law also treats it as aggravated robbery if the victim is over 65 or has a disability. The key difference from basic robbery is the “aggravating” factor, such as a weapon, elevated injury, or the victim’s vulnerability, which makes it a first-degree felony.

Texas Penal Code Section 29.03 covers aggravated robbery, listing factors that raise the crime’s seriousness, such as brandishing a firearm or knife. In Houston, law enforcement often assigns these cases to units with experience handling violent crimes, especially when a weapon or a vulnerable person is involved. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office closely reviews these cases, sometimes affecting bond conditions and how courts approach sentencing. When developing a defense strategy, knowledge of how Houston-area judges interpret these aggravating factors helps set realistic expectations.

Examples of aggravated robbery include:

• Using a Deadly Weapon: Brandishing or using a weapon, such as a gun or a knife, to rob the victim.
• Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury: Causing severe harm to the victim during the robbery, such as broken bones or head trauma.
• Victim's Age or Disability: Robbing a victim who is over 65 years old or has a disability is considered an aggravating factor under Texas law.

Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony in Texas. If convicted, the law calls for:

• Up to life in prison
• Fines of up to $10,000

Because the penalties for aggravated robbery are so severe, having an attorney who understands Texas criminal law and local court practices can make a difference for your defense and your future.

The Robbery Case Process in Houston Courts

People charged with robbery in Houston navigate several steps within the Harris County criminal justice system. After an arrest, police book the accused at the county jail and bring them before a magistrate. At the first court appearance, the magistrate reviews the arrest, sets bond, and may issue a protection order if a victim requests protection. Harris County courts move robbery cases forward on strict timelines, setting deadlines for investigations, evidence, and court appearances. Arraignment follows soon after arrest, with the formal reading of charges. The case then moves to pre-trial hearings and often proceeds to a jury trial, where lawyers present evidence, question witnesses, and make arguments in front of a judge or jury. A local defense attorney guides clients through these steps and ensures that all procedural requirements are met at each stage. By anticipating court dates and potential challenges in Houston courts, clients can prepare their defense with confidence and clarity.

How Robbery Charges Impact Your Record & Future in Houston

A robbery conviction in Houston does more than bring immediate penalties. Felony convictions restrict rights such as gun ownership and voting in state elections. They also make it much harder to find work, rent a home, or pursue advanced education. Texas law rarely allows robbery convictions to be expunged, so these outcomes last for life. Local employers in Houston and companies that run background checks often flag violent felonies, which can close doors to many professions and employment opportunities. A criminal record can also affect professional licensing, eligibility for certain government benefits, and the ability to travel outside the country. For these reasons, anyone facing robbery charges in Houston should understand both the direct and long-term effects on daily life and future opportunities.

Defending Clients Charged with Robbery 

Facing robbery charges in Houston can be overwhelming, especially with the serious consequences of aggravated robbery. If you are under investigation or already arrested, it’s vital to seek experienced legal guidance early in the process. A knowledgeable defense attorney focuses on protecting your rights, assisting you through the legal system, and evaluating every defense available to challenge the charges.

After a Houston arrest, police typically bring the accused to the Harris County Jail for booking, where magistrate judges set bond and initial terms for release. Local courts move quickly, following strict rules for hearings and motions, so early legal intervention can make a difference. The Houston criminal court system organizes dockets efficiently, scheduling pre-trial conferences to assess case strength. An experienced defense attorney explains each local procedure and keeps the accused informed at each step, giving families a clear road map as the case unfolds.

Some possible defenses to robbery charges include:

• Lack of Intent: Arguing that the defendant did not intend to steal or use force.
• False Identification: Demonstrating that the defendant was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator.
• No Bodily Injury or Threats: Challenging the claim that the victim was harmed or placed in fear of harm.
• Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If the defendant acted to protect themselves or someone else during the event.

If you are convicted of aggravated robbery, you could face up to life in prison and substantial fines, so skilled legal counsel is critical to protecting your rights. Contact a robbery attorney in Houston to review your case and discuss strong defense options.

Contact Our Houston Robbery Lawyer Today

If you face robbery charges in Houston, you don’t have to manage this challenging time alone. You can consider all available defense strategies to protect your future with a knowledgeable robbery defense attorney. Whether you’re up against robbery with bodily injury or a more severe aggravated robbery charge, having competent legal guidance can lead you to a better outcome. Contact us today to fully defend your rights.

We assist clients at every stage of the Houston criminal justice process, from arraignment through trial in Harris County. Understanding how local practices and procedures affect criminal cases in Houston gives our clients an advantage. If you are charged with robbery in Houston or the surrounding communities, a defense team with in-depth experience in local courts can shape your case and provide attentive support specific to your needs in this region.

Protect your future by consulting with a trusted Houston robbery attorney. Call now to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after being arrested for robbery in Houston?

If police arrest you for robbery, stay silent and ask to speak with a lawyer. Do not answer questions or provide statements to law enforcement until you have legal advice. This helps protect your rights and prevents mistakes that could affect your defense.

Can robbery charges in Texas be reduced or dismissed?

Prosecutors may reduce or dismiss robbery charges when the evidence is weak, witnesses are unreliable, or legal errors exist. Every case is unique, so an attorney can review your situation and explain what options might be available.

How long does a robbery case take in Harris County courts?

The length of a robbery case in Harris County depends on the facts, court docket, and whether the case goes to trial. Some cases resolve in a few months, but contested cases can take a year or longer to finish.

Contact our robbery lawyers in Houston today by calling (713) 364-9913.