Those who have never faced criminal charges in Missouri likely do not fully understand the stress that going through the criminal justice system can create. A lack of familiarity with the process can create uncertainty and cause a defendant to second guess all of his or her decisions. Such may be the case for three men after they were arrested and charged with robbery.
The incident that led to their arrests happened at approximately 8 p.m. According to reports, a 19-year-old male stopped to purchase cigarettes after work. Afterward, he claims that a van containing four men approached him and the occupants — allegedly including someone with whom the teenager had attended school — began chatting.
Unfortunately, he claims that the interaction changed abruptly when the sliding door of the van slid open, and he saw a gun. The alleged victim says that the men demanded money, but left with his phone and cigarettes when they realized he had no crash. Three people have since been arrested and charged with robbery as a result of the incident.
Once a person is charged with a crime, such as robbery, he or she has multiple decisions to make. Often, one of the most beneficial decisions to make is seeking help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. With the assistance of such a professional, those facing criminal charges in Missouri are often better informed regarding their options, including whether to fight the charges in court or to negotiate a plea deal that could result in a reduced charge or reduced sentence.
Source: fox4kc.com, “Suspects charged after Gladstone teen robbed at gunpoint“, Megan Dillard, June 7, 2017