Full question:
My son did 5 years of a 10 year stretch for armed robbery, he got paroled 2 years ago. He's back in jail on 3 counts of armed robbery. Should he plead guilty or go to trial? How much prison time can he expect this time?
- Category: Criminal
- Subcategory: Sentences
- Date:
- State: Pennsylvania
Answer:
In Pennsylvania, robbery is defined as taking property from another by force or threat of force (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 3701). The severity of the robbery charge depends on the circumstances:
- Robbery involving serious bodily injury or threats of serious injury is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
- Robbery involving bodily injury or threats of bodily injury is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to ten years.
- Robbery involving force but no injury is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to seven years.
Since your son has prior convictions for armed robbery, he faces enhanced penalties under 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9714. If convicted of a second crime of violence, he will receive a minimum sentence of ten years. If he has multiple prior convictions for violent crimes, he could face a minimum of twenty-five years or even life imprisonment without parole for subsequent offenses.
Considering these factors, your son should discuss his options with a qualified attorney to determine whether to plead guilty or go to trial. The potential for significant prison time makes it essential to have legal guidance.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.