In some instances it does not take much for individuals’ tempers to flair and for a heated argument to result. Sometimes, though, these arguments can lead to misunderstandings, grudges, or misidentifications that cause an innocent individual to face criminal charges. Many charges, including robbery, carry severe penalties that can ruin an accused individual’s life. For this reason, an accused individual should challenge any serious charges levied against him.
Recently in Henry County, for example, police arrested a man and charged him with armed robbery. The charge comes after an incident outside of a bar where the accused allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint as the victim was walking to his car. If convicted, the accused faces harsh consequences.
Armed robbery is a felony charge punishable by death or life in prison or, alternatively, a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison. Even if a convicted individual serves his sentence, this felony will stay on his criminal record forever. This can make it difficult to get a job, housing or an education. With life at stake it is imperative an accused individual finds an attorney who can help plan an effective defense strategy.
One way to challenge a prosecution’s armed robbery allegations is to draw several aspects of the case into question. Identification of the suspect, witness accounts, and how and where other physical evidence was recovered can all be challenged. Sometimes personal grudges, alcohol impairment or darkness can cause a witness to misidentify the suspect which puts the accused in danger of a false conviction.
A defense attorney can still be helpful to an accused individual even if the evidence against the defendant is insurmountable. In these cases, a competent attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor in an attempt to obtain lesser charges and reduced penalties. With so much at risk, the choice between an experienced defense attorney and an inexperienced attorney might mean the difference between life and death.
Source: My Fox Atlanta, “Henry County police capture armed robbery suspect,” May 15, 2013