Today ignites uneasiness around the Ohio State University campus with the fourth police issued ‘timely’ crime alert in a month, due to reports of armed robbery. The attacks came on or near campus this month, creating quite a stir among students, faculty and staff, with a concerning for safety. All reports have at least one detail in common, the use of a “Deadly weapon” or “dangerous ordnance.”
Police are looking for those who match the descriptions by the victims of the reported armed robberies. Victims described the first three robberies as robbed at gunpoint by a group of two to four African-American males ranging from early to late twenties; while, the most recent case, the victim claims being robbed at gunpoint by two white males between the ages of 20 to 25. One of the men is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, 170 pounds with a full beard and moustache and the other 5 feet 9 inches tall and 170 pounds.
Armed robbery includes any forcible theft that occurs while a firearm is shown, displayed or present. Ohio court cases have concluded a weapon does not need to be seen, loaded or even real in order for the defendant to be convicted of armed robbery. If you have been charged with armed robbery in Columbus, OH, it is important to understand your rights.
Robbery can be a felony of the third, second or first degree, depending on whether a deadly weapon was used or if the offender actually inflicts harm on the victim. A person can be charged with Robbery if they have a deadly weapon on their body or under their control, they inflict, attempt to inflict, or threaten to inflict physical harm on another person, or they use or threaten immediate force against another while attempting or committing a theft offense, or while immediately fleeing after the attempt or commission of a theft offense.
Penalties vary by state and greatly depend on a case by case basis. In Ohio, a person accused of armed robbery may be fined anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, serve 3 months to a year in prison and receive up to two years community service, depending on the seriousness of the crime. To get an accurate idea of the penalties associated with a specific case of aggravated assault in Ohio, contact a criminal defense attorney in Columbus.
Ohio law, Chapter 2911: Robbery, Burglary, Trespassing and Safecracking, defines armed robbery that either displaying, saying or insinuating having a deadly weapon during a robbery could be justified as an armed robbery. Convictions of armed robbery depend on several factors and punishments significantly rely upon the circumstances of the case.
State v. Meek (1978), ruled the use of an unloaded gun in the course of a robbery subjects the robber to conviction for aggravated robbery, and State v. Green (1996), decided the aggravated robbery conviction upheld where teller did not see gun, but robber’s words and actions suggested a gun was in an envelope covering his hand. Court decisions and punishments depend on case details, evidence, people involved and other circumstances. If you have been accused of an aggravated robbery, having an experienced attorney who builds a strong defense can help.
