Charged With Robbery in Arizona?

A robbery charge can put your freedom, record, career and reputation at risk. AZ Defenders represents people facing robbery, aggravated robbery and armed robbery allegations throughout Arizona. Our defense team can review the evidence, explain the charge and help you understand the options available in your case.

Free, confidential case review. Available to take your call 24/7. No obligation to hire.

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Why Choose AZ Defenders?

• Arizona Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists. Our team includes lawyers who have earned this advanced certification through substantial criminal-law experience, rigorous evaluation and demonstrated knowledge in the field.
• 200+ years of combined legal experience. Work with a defense team that includes former prosecutors and understands how the state builds serious criminal cases.
• A defense built around the evidence. We examine witness accounts, identification evidence, surveillance footage, statements, police conduct and available records for issues that may affect the case.
• Clear guidance and personal attention. We explain the charge, upcoming court dates and potential paths forward while treating you and your family with respect.

Arizona Robbery Charges Under ARS 13-1902, 13-1903 and 13-1904

Arizona law separates robbery offenses into three primary categories. The charge can depend on the alleged conduct, whether another person was present and whether a weapon or dangerous instrument was involved.

Charge	Arizona law	General description	Classification
Robbery	ARS 13-1902	Taking property from another person’s body or immediate presence, against that person’s will, while using or threatening force to obtain the property or prevent resistance.	Class 4 felony
Aggravated robbery	ARS 13-1903	Robbery committed with the aid of one or more accomplices who are actually present.	Class 3 felony
Armed robbery	ARS 13-1904	Robbery involving a deadly weapon, simulated deadly weapon, dangerous instrument, or an attempt to take a deadly weapon.	Class 2 felony

These descriptions summarize the statutes and do not determine how a particular case will be charged.

What Must the State Prove in an Arizona Robbery Case?

For a robbery charge under ARS 13-1902, the prosecution generally must prove that a person knowingly took property from another person’s body or immediate presence, did so against that person’s will, and threatened or used force to coerce surrender of the property or prevent resistance.

That distinction matters. A property allegation does not automatically become robbery merely because something was allegedly taken. The evidence of force or a threat of force, the person’s intent and the circumstances surrounding possession may all be disputed.

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Potential Consequences of a Robbery Conviction

Robbery is a felony in Arizona. A conviction may lead to incarceration, fines and assessments, probation when legally available, loss of firearm rights, employment or licensing problems, immigration consequences for non-citizens and a lasting felony record.

The possible sentence depends on the specific charge, prior convictions, the facts alleged, weapon use and whether the state alleges a dangerous offense. Aggravated and armed robbery are classified more severely than robbery, making an early review of the evidence especially important when accomplice or weapon allegations are involved.

Defense Issues That May Apply

Every case requires its own investigation. Depending on the facts, a robbery defense lawyer may examine issues such as:

• Mistaken identification or unreliable eyewitness testimony
• Insufficient evidence that force or a threat of force occurred
• Insufficient proof of knowing conduct or criminal intent
• A genuine dispute about ownership or the right to possess property
• Inconsistent witness accounts or incomplete surveillance evidence
• Statements obtained in violation of constitutional rights
• Evidence obtained through an unlawful search or seizure
• Lack of proof that an alleged accomplice was actually present
• Disputes over whether an object satisfies the statutory weapon requirements

AZ Defenders can evaluate police reports, video, photographs, electronic records, witness statements, forensic evidence and the legality of the investigation before recommending a strategy.

What to Do After a Robbery Arrest or Investigation

1. Do not discuss the facts with police, witnesses or other involved people before getting legal advice.
2. Preserve potential evidence. Do not delete messages, social media posts, photographs, receipts or location data.
3. Follow every release condition and court order.
4. Contact a criminal defense lawyer promptly so time-sensitive evidence can be identified and preserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between theft and robbery in Arizona?

Robbery involves taking property from another person’s body or immediate presence against the person’s will while using or threatening force. A theft allegation can arise without that force element. The correct charge depends on the evidence and the statute alleged.

What makes robbery aggravated in Arizona?

Under ARS 13-1903, robbery becomes aggravated robbery when one or more accomplices who aid the offense are actually present.

What makes robbery armed in Arizona?

ARS 13-1904 addresses robbery involving a deadly weapon, simulated deadly weapon, dangerous instrument or an attempt to take a deadly weapon. Whether the evidence satisfies the statute can be disputed.

Can an Arizona robbery charge be reduced or dismissed?

That depends on the evidence, legal issues, criminal history and the prosecutor’s assessment. A defense lawyer may challenge the charge, seek suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence, negotiate for a different resolution or prepare the case for trial. No outcome can be guaranteed.

Should I explain what happened to the police?

You have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. Even an intended explanation can be misunderstood or used against you. Consider obtaining legal advice before discussing the allegations.

Speak With an Arizona Robbery Defense Lawyer

An accusation is not a conviction. AZ Defenders can review the charge, investigate the evidence and help you determine the next step. Call the number at the top of this page or submit the confidential form to request a free case review.

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Every case is different. No result can be guaranteed. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.