When you have been charged with a robbery crime in Missouri, it is crucial that you be aware of your legal rights. At the same time, though, you also need to be familiar with the fact that you can have — and are actually entitled to — a legal defense for the robbery charges that have been brought against you. After all, your life is on the line.
Luckily, there are several types of defenses that can be implemented on your behalf. You could argue your innocence and that someone else committed the crime, especially if you have an alibi. More than likely, the prosecution has the identification of an eyewitness, which isn’t always 100 percent reliable. So, it may be possible to raise reasonable doubt in the eyes of the jurors by challenging the evidence that the prosecution has regarding eyewitness testimony.
Another way to defend yourself against a robbery charge is to argue that you were intoxicated. While this may not be the most pleasant way, it can show that you engaged in criminal activity that you otherwise would not have if you had not been drunk. In this instance, you may have to plead to a lesser charge, such as public intoxication, but the penalties would be less severe than a robbery conviction.
This is just a brief introduction to the legal defenses that are available for robbery charges in Missouri. This is why you may want to seek the guidance of a legal expert or legal team. In doing so, you are ensuring that no rock is left unturned and no question is left unanswered in determining which defense is best-suited for you moving forward.
Source: FindLaw, “Robbery Defenses“, Accessed on Dec. 4, 2015