Facing Robbery Charges In Texas? Fight Back With Experienced Defense.

Robbery and aggravated robbery are among the most serious felony charges Texas prosecutes. A conviction can send you to prison for decades and follow you for the rest of your life. As an aggravated robbery attorney in Texas, I am Paul J. Smith, Board-Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I have spent decades defending clients against serious felony charges in state and federal courts across Texas. Understanding the difference between robbery and aggravated robbery is the first step toward building a strong defense.

What Texas Law Says About Robbery

Texas Penal Code Section 29.02 defines robbery as knowingly or recklessly injuring another person while committing theft, or threatening or placing another person in fear of bodily injury or death during a theft. That makes robbery a second-degree felony under Texas law.

Texas Penal Code Section 29.03 defines aggravated robbery and carries far more serious consequences. As an aggravated robbery attorney in Texas, I regularly defend clients who face these charges without fully understanding what pushes a robbery into a first-degree felony robbery in Texas.

What Makes A Robbery Charge Aggravated?

Several factors can elevate a robbery charge to aggravated status under Texas law. Any one of these elements can change the entire trajectory of a case.

• Use of a deadly weapon: Using or exhibiting a deadly weapon during the offense triggers more severe robbery charges.
• Causing serious bodily injury: Inflicting physical harm on the victim elevates the charge beyond simple robbery.
• Targeting elderly or disabled persons: Threatening or injuring a person 65 years or older or a disabled individual automatically aggravates the charge under Texas law.

Each of these factors also shapes how prosecutors build their case and what defenses may be available to you.

The Penalties You Could Face

Texas treats robbery and aggravated robbery very differently at sentencing. A robbery conviction under Section 29.02 can expose you to 2 to 20 years in prison as a second-degree felony.

Step into aggravated robbery territory under Section 29.03 and you are looking at a first-degree felony with a sentencing range of 5 to 99 years, or even life. Both charges carry fines reaching up to $10,000.

The courtroom consequences are only part of the picture. A felony conviction in Texas can close doors long after your sentence ends. Jobs become harder to find, housing applications get denied and your right to own a firearm may be gone permanently. As an aggravated robbery attorney in Texas, my goal is to challenge the prosecution’s case at every turn and fight for the outcome that gives you a clear path forward.

The Time To Act Is Now

Robbery charges demand an immediate and aggressive response. Call 361-585-4562 or fill out this form to reach the Law Office of Paul J. Smith for a free consultation. I am ready to step in and start building your defense right away.