Understanding Armed Robbery Charges and Penalties in Florida
If you’re facing an armed robbery sentence in Florida, you’re confronting one of the state’s most serious felony charges with potentially life-altering consequences. At Russo Law & Advocacy, Dominique Russo defends clients across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties against these severe allegations, fighting to protect their freedom through strategic defense and aggressive representation.
Under Florida Statute § 812.13, armed robbery, technically robbery with a weapon, carries some of Florida’s harshest penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that leave judges with little discretion. Understanding what is considered armed robbery, potential sentences, and available defenses is crucial to protecting your future.
What Is Considered Armed Robbery in Florida?
Legal Definition
Armed robbery occurs when during the course of committing a robbery (taking property through force, violence, assault, or fear), the offender:
✅ Carries a firearm or other deadly weapon
✅ Uses or threatens to use the weapon
✅ Displays the weapon in a threatening manner
Key Elements Prosecutors Must Prove
- Taking of property belonging to another
- Use of force, violence, assault, or fear
- Intent to permanently deprive the owner
- Possession/use of a deadly weapon during the offense
Types of Armed Robbery
Understanding types of armed robbery helps in defense planning:
- Convenience store/gas station robberies
- Bank/financial institution robberies
- Home invasion robberies
- Carjacking with a weapon
- Street muggings involving weapons
Armed Robbery Sentence: How Much Time Does Armed Robbery Carry?
Basic Sentencing Framework
Clients often ask how much time does armed robbery carry? or armed robbery how many years in prison? Under Florida law:
- First-degree felony
- Up to life imprisonment
- 10-year mandatory minimum if firearm was possessed (under 10-20-Life law)
- 20-year mandatory minimum if firearm was discharged
- 25-years-to-life if someone was injured or killed
How Much Jail Time for Armed Robbery?
For how much jail time for armed robbery specific scenarios:
| Scenario | Mandatory Minimum | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Firearm Possession | 10 years | Life |
| Firearm Discharge | 20 years | Life |
| Serious Injury/Death | 25 years to life | Life without parole |
| No Firearm (other weapon) | No mandatory minimum | 30 years |
How Long is Armed Robbery Sentence Typically?
Regarding how long is armed robbery sentence in practice:
- First-time offenders: 10-25 years common with plea agreements
- Repeat offenders: 25-life more likely
- With enhancements: Life without parole possible
Armed Robbery and Aggravated Assault Sentence Considerations
Related Charges and Their Impact
Armed robbery and aggravated assault sentence enhancements often combine:
- Multiple charges from single incident
- Consecutive sentencing possible
- Enhanced penalties for each additional offense
- Cumulative effect on total prison time
Common Additional Charges
- Aggravated assault with a firearm
- Battery during commission
- Resisting arrest with violence
- Possession of firearm by convicted felon
What Can Armed Robbery Be Reduced To?
One of our most frequent questions: what can armed robbery be reduced to? Through skilled negotiation and defense, we often secure:
Common Reductions
✅ Simple Robbery (No weapon enhancement) – Reduces from life to 15 years max
✅ Grand Theft – Significant reduction in penalties
✅ Aggravated Assault – Focuses on threat rather than theft
✅ Battery – If injuries occurred but theft elements weak
✅ Pretrial Diversion – For certain first-time offenders with minor roles
Factors Supporting Reduction
- Minor role in the offense
- No actual weapon present (simulated weapon)
- No injuries to victims
- Cooperation with authorities
- Youthfulness or lack of criminal history
Can Armed Robbery Be Expunged?
Regarding can armed robbery be expunged? – generally no, with limited exceptions:
Expungement Restrictions
- Violent felonies cannot be expunged in Florida
- Weapons offenses have additional restrictions
- Federal convictions have separate, stricter rules
Possible Alternatives
- Withhold of adjudication on reduced charges
- Sealing of records for certain non-conviction outcomes
- Pardons through executive clemency (extremely rare)
Defense Strategies for Armed Robbery Charges
Case-Specific Defenses
✅ Misidentification – Challenging witness reliability
✅ Lack of Weapon – Arguing no actual firearm was present
✅ Duress/Coercion – Forced participation under threat
✅ Alibi Defense – Proving physical impossibility
✅ Mental State Defense – Lack of specific intent
Constitutional Challenges
- Illegal search and seizure of evidence
- Miranda rights violations during interrogation
- Right to counsel denials
- Eyewitness identification procedure errors
Sentencing Mitigation
- Mental health evaluations
- Substance abuse treatment history
- Family support evidence
- Employment/education achievements
- Remorse and acceptance of responsibility
FAQs About Armed Robbery Defense
1. What’s the difference between armed robbery and strong-arm robbery?
Armed robbery involves weapons (10-year minimum); strong-arm uses only physical force (no mandatory minimum).
2. Can I get bond for armed robbery charges?
Rarely, armed robbery is usually a no-bond offense, but we file emergency motions when circumstances allow.
3. How does Florida’s 10-20-Life law apply?
It adds mandatory minimums: 10 years for firearm possession, 20 for discharge, 25-to-life for injury/death.
4. What if I didn’t know my accomplice had a weapon?
This can be a defense to the armed enhancement but not the underlying robbery.
5. Do you handle armed robbery cases throughout South Florida?
Yes. We serve all South Florida counties, including:
- Miami-Dade County (Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah)
- Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter)
- Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines)
Facing Armed Robbery Charges? Get Defense Help Now
If you’re facing an armed robbery sentence, don’t risk decades in prison. Contact Dominique Russo at Russo Law & Advocacy for a free consultation. We serve clients across South Florida, including:
📍 Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter)
📍 Broward County (Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines)
📍 Miami-Dade County (Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah)
“An armed robbery charge doesn’t have to mean a lifetime in prison. We fight for charge reductions and sentencing alternatives that protect your future.”
