Houston Robbery Lawyer

Houston Robbery Attorney

Being arrested for robbery is one of the most stressful experiences you can face. You are likely worried about how a criminal charge can impact your future or confused about the legal process and how a case unfolds. Working with a Houston robbery lawyer can help you find clarity throughout the legal process while preparing a defense that can help you move forward after criminal charges.

Why Choose Greco Neyland, PC?

At Greco Neyland, PC, our attorneys prioritize providing personal attention to every case. We work to understand your side of the story, develop a custom defense strategy against a robbery charge, and guide you through the investigation and trial process. We have extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts and have helped over 5,000 clients.

How Texas’s Robbery Laws Define Robbery

In Texas, robbery involves intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly injuring another person while committing theft. Robbery can also involve causing fear of injury, even if no actual physical injury was caused. Most robbery offenses are charged as a second-degree felony.

Unlike a theft offense, robbery involves causing fear or harm to another person. Also, you do not have to have stolen property to be convicted of robbery, so long as you were attempting or in the process of theft when the robbery occurred.

Robbery is a type of violent crime, as it involves using force or causing a victim to fear imminent harm. Because of this, it can lead to severe robbery penalties. To protect your freedom and future against the consequences of a robbery charge, you should reach out to a Houston robbery attorney as soon as possible.

Understanding Aggravated Robbery Charges in Texas

Aggravated robbery is a more serious offense than robbery and is charged when the case involves certain aggravating factors. For example, a robbery offense may be charged as aggravated robbery if it:

• Causes serious bodily injury
• Involves a deadly weapon
• It is against an elderly or disabled victim

Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony and results in higher penalties than a standard robbery offense. Often, a defense strategy in an aggravated robbery case involves reducing charges or disproving certain aggravating factors.

Robbery Statistics in Houston

Houston’s robbery rate is higher than that of many other U.S. cities. In a typical year, the robbery rate is 0.08769 per 1,000 residents. In 2025, there were 16,546 robbery offenses in Texas, and one offense occurred every 3.1 minutes in the United States.

Robbery charges are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges because of the high rates of this offense and the impact it has on victims. In Houston, these cases are heard in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin Street, Houston.

Types of Robbery Penalties You May Face

A robbery conviction in Texas results in some of the most severe criminal penalties that you can face. The exact consequences depend on the specific charge and the facts of the case. If you hire a robbery lawyer, they can explain the specific types of penalties you may face and create a plan to pursue reduced penalties.

Some of the most common consequences of a robbery offense include:

• Prison time: One of the most significant consequences of a robbery conviction is incarceration. Most robbery offenses result in between two and 20 years, though aggravated robbery may result in between five and 99 years in prison. When determining the sentence, the court may consider your criminal record, personal conduct, and the severity of the offense.
• Fines: The fines in a robbery case can be thousands of dollars, making a criminal conviction a significant financial burden. These fines are separate from the court costs, attorney’s fees, restitution, and other expenses that can arise during your robbery case.
• Restitution: The court often requires offenders to pay restitution to the victims for their losses, such as medical expenses, stolen property, lost wages, and other economic losses that are directly related to the offense.
• Probation: Even if you are not in prison, you may have to be on probation. Probation allows you to stay in your community or receive a shorter prison sentence, but it still comes with restrictions. Some examples of the strict conditions that may be required during probation include undergoing counseling, drug and alcohol testing, maintaining employment, and avoiding additional criminal charges.

Beyond the direct criminal penalties, a robbery conviction results in a permanent criminal record. With a felony on your record, you may have issues finding employment, obtaining certain professional licenses, securing housing, or pursuing educational opportunities. You may also have limited rights, such as restrictions on firearm ownership. Depending on your citizenship status, you may also experience negative immigration consequences.

Why You Should Hire a Robbery Lawyer?

Being accused of robbery does not automatically mean you are going to be convicted. In a robbery case, the prosecutor has the burden of proof and must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. A Houston robbery lawyer can challenge weaknesses in the government’s case, which can threaten the government’s ability to meet the burden of proof and potentially lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

A lawyer can review the evidence of the offense to identify effective defense strategies. A lawyer may investigate issues such as:

• Whether law enforcement conducted an unlawful search or seizure
• Whether witness or victim statements are reliable
• Whether there is sufficient evidence connecting you to the alleged offense
• Whether prosecutors can prove that you intended to use force
• Whether your constitutional rights were violated during the investigation
• Whether there is exonerating evidence that can be used to support your innocence

No two robbery cases involve the same circumstances and evidence, meaning each case requires a unique defense strategy. An experienced Houston robbery attorney can develop a legal strategy tailored to the specific facts of your case and the weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence and arguments. Ultimately, working with a lawyer can improve the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes such as:

• Reduced charges
• Dismissed charges
• Reduced penalties

Defense Strategies Used in a Texas Robbery Case

The most effective defense strategy depends on the specific details of a case, which is why you should speak with a lawyer for advice on preparing a strong defense. However, some of the most common defense strategies include:

• Challenging whether you were correctly identified: It is easy for witnesses and victims to misidentify an offender, especially when a crime occurs under stressful conditions or in poor lighting. A lawyer can challenge the reliability of witness testimony and can even gather evidence that proves you are not the offender, such as surveillance camera footage or an alibi.
• Arguing lack of intent: Certain robbery crimes must involve intentional or knowing actions. However, this is very difficult to prove. If the prosecution cannot prove that you intended to commit theft or knowingly used or threatened force, then you may achieve reduced or dismissed charges.
• Challenging evidence: The prosecution must have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. A lawyer can help you challenge weak, inconsistent, or illegally obtained evidence, which reduces how much evidence the prosecution has for its case. Examples of evidence that may be challenged include weapons found in an illegal search, unreliable witness statements, or surveillance footage that contradicts other evidence.
• Presenting an alibi: An alibi involves using evidence to prove that you were elsewhere when the crime occurred. This often involves using evidence such as witness statements, time clock records, GPS logs, or timestamped receipts. Often, an alibi is a significant part of a defense that argues that you were mistakenly identified as the offender.
• Negotiating for reduced charges: Many robbery cases are settled through plea bargaining rather than in a trial. This involves pleading guilty to reduced charges and receiving lighter penalties. Often, a plea deal can help you avoid the consequences of a serious criminal conviction when you are unlikely to have your charges dropped entirely.

What Happens After a Robbery Arrest in Houston?

Immediately after an arrest in Houston is the booking process, where law enforcement takes you to a local jail or police department. Here, they collect your basic personal information, photographs, fingerprints, and file an official police report.

During booking, law enforcement may ask questions about the offense, request a personal statement about what occurred, or ask for your consent for a search or seizure of your property. If this happens, it is important to request to contact an attorney and then remain silent. Silence can help you avoid accidentally providing incriminating evidence that can be used against you. A lawyer can advise you on what to say and do and can communicate on your behalf.

Your first court appearance is called an arraignment. At this hearing, your charges are formally read to you, and you can enter a plea. You may plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. In most cases, it is recommended to plead not guilty to allow for more time to build a strong defense or negotiate for reduced charges. However, your lawyer can offer guidance specific to your case.

FAQs About Houston, TX Robbery Laws

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Robbery in Texas?

The minimum sentence for a robbery conviction in Texas depends on the facts of the case. For most robbery charges, the minimum sentence is two years. An aggravated robbery conviction results in higher penalties, including a minimum sentence of five years.

Because robbery is a severe felony charge, it does not allow for alternative sentencing, such as diversion programs. This makes it especially important to aggressively defend against a conviction.

Do You Have to Pay Restitution to Robbery Victims in Texas?

Yes, you may be required to pay restitution to robbery victims, though it depends on the details of your case. Judges often require offenders to pay for the economic losses of the victim, such as stolen property or medical expenses. Furthermore, a robbery conviction can mean that you can be liable for the victim’s damages if they file a civil claim against you.

Can You Get Probation for Robbery in Houston?

Yes, you can get probation for robbery in Houston, though it is likely that probation only replaces part of your prison sentence. For most robbery charges, the sentence is between two and twenty years in prison. Many judges allow offenders to go on probation rather than serve an entire sentence. However, whether or not probation is granted depends on factors such as your criminal record, behavior, and the facts of the case.

When Should You Hire a Robbery Lawyer?

You should contact a Houston robbery lawyer as soon as possible after you are arrested. Early legal guidance can prevent police misconduct or invasions of your constitutional rights. It can also make it easier for a lawyer to build a strong defense strategy, as they can gather evidence from the accident scene and throughout the investigation. Beyond the strategic advantages, working with a lawyer can also reduce stress and confusion during the investigation and trial.

What Is the Difference Between Robbery and Theft?

While theft involves taking someone’s property without their consent, robbery is a separate crime that is committed while carrying out theft. Robbery involves using force or the threat of force against another person while theft is being carried out. It is possible to be charged with both robbery and theft, or just one, given the circumstances of the case.

Learn How a Skilled Houston Robbery Attorney Can Help

If you have been arrested or accused of robbery in Houston, it is important to take the situation seriously and seek legal representation as soon as possible. Texas’s robbery laws outline severe penalties for robbery charges, including long prison sentences and heavy fines. The earlier an experienced defense attorney is working with you, the sooner they can begin protecting your rights and pursuing an outcome that minimizes the consequences of a robbery charge.

Greco Neyland, PC, is an experienced Houston criminal defense firm. Contact us today to speak with a Houston robbery lawyer about your circumstances and legal options. We are ready to provide the guidance, advocacy, and aggressive defense you need throughout a robbery case.