If you’ve been arrested for robbery in Pasadena, you’re likely scared, confused, and unsure of what comes next. At Tung & Associates, we understand what you’re going through – and we’re here to help.
Pasadena robbery attorney Tony Tung has years of experience defending clients against serious felony charges, and our legal team is ready to protect your rights from day one.
Robbery is one of the most serious theft crimes in California. Under
Penal Code §211, it involves taking property directly from a person using force or fear. Even without a weapon or injury, robbery is always a
violent felony and counts as a
strike under the Three Strikes Law. A conviction can mean years in prison and lasting consequences on your record.
That’s why early legal help matters. We’ve helped clients avoid charges altogether or get serious felonies reduced. We regularly handle cases at the
Pasadena Courthouse and understand how local prosecutors build robbery cases – giving us an edge in negotiations and trial.
If you or a loved one is facing a robbery accusation, don’t wait. Call us at
(626) 416-4668 for a free consultation. We’ll listen without judgment and fight for your future.
What Is Considered “Robbery” in California?
Robbery in California is defined by
Penal Code §211 as the unlawful taking of someone else’s property from their person or immediate presence, against their will, using force or fear. This is not just about stealing – it’s about a direct confrontation that involves intimidation, threats, or physical force.
Unlike shoplifting or burglary, robbery always involves a victim being present. For example, grabbing someone’s phone out of their hand and running is robbery; taking it from an unattended table is theft. The presence of the victim and the use of fear or force is what elevates the charge.
All robberies in California are
felonies, regardless of the value of the stolen item. That means even taking a $10 item by force could lead to prison time and a strike on your record. Robbery is treated as a violent offense, and prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively – especially here in Pasadena.
Understanding this distinction is critical. If you’re accused of robbery, it’s not just a theft case – it’s a serious felony with long-term consequences. That’s why having a knowledgeable defense attorney like
Tony Tung can make all the difference in how your case is charged and ultimately resolved.
What Are the Different Degrees of Robbery in California?
California law separates robbery into two degrees –
first-degree and
second-degree – based on where the robbery occurs and who the victim is. Both are serious felonies, but first-degree robbery carries harsher penalties due to the circumstances involved.
First-degree robbery typically involves:
Robbery inside someone’s home or dwelling (home invasion)
Robbery of a driver or passenger in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft
Robbery of someone immediately after using an ATM
For example, if a person is robbed in their own apartment or while exiting a bank, it’s likely to be charged as first-degree robbery. These situations are considered especially dangerous because they involve vulnerable victims or private spaces.
Second-degree robbery includes all other types of robbery. This usually covers street-level incidents – such as a mugging in a parking lot or a robbery outside a store in Old Town Pasadena.
Even though second-degree robbery is considered less severe, it’s still a
violent felony with serious consequences. Understanding which degree you’re being charged with helps determine potential penalties, which we’ll break down next – and why it’s critical to have an experienced
Pasadena robbery attorney like Tony Tung in your corner.
What Penalties Can You Face for a Robbery Conviction in California?
Robbery convictions in California come with serious, long-lasting consequences. Both first- and second-degree robbery are felonies, but the penalties vary based on the degree, use of force, and other circumstances.
A
first-degree robbery conviction can result in
up to 9 years in state prison, while
second-degree robbery carries
up to 5 years. If multiple victims were involved, you could face separate charges for each one, with sentences that may be stacked.
Robbery is also classified as a
violent felony under California law, which means it counts as a
strike under the
Three Strikes Law. A first conviction adds a strike to your record. A second strike doubles your sentence, and a third could mean
25 years to life in prison.
In addition to prison time, robbery convictions can result in:
Significant fines and restitution to the victim
Parole or probation terms after release
Permanent loss of firearm rights
Difficulty finding employment, housing, or licensing
Even one robbery conviction can permanently alter your future. This is why early and effective legal defense matters.
Pasadena robbery attorney Tony Tung works to get charges reduced or dismissed before these penalties take hold – helping clients avoid the life-altering effects of a violent felony record.
Does Using a Weapon or Causing Injury Increase the Penalties?
Yes – using a weapon or causing injury during a robbery significantly increases the punishment. California law imposes
sentence enhancements when a robbery involves added danger or harm, which can extend prison time well beyond the base sentence.
If a firearm is used,
Penal Code §12022.53 adds mandatory time:
10 years for using a gun
20 years for firing it
25 years to life if someone is seriously injured or killed
Even using a fake weapon or threatening gesture that makes the victim believe they’re in danger can lead to these enhancements.
If the victim suffers
great bodily injury, an additional
3–6 years can be added. This applies whether the injury was intentional or not – any serious harm during the crime can trigger the enhancement.
Multiple victims can also lead to multiple robbery charges, each carrying separate penalties. These enhancements can quickly turn a 5-year robbery sentence into decades behind bars.
Because enhancements are often added aggressively by prosecutors, it’s essential to have a defense attorney who knows how to challenge them.
Tony Tung and our Pasadena robbery attorneys examine every detail – what was actually said, how force was used, and whether the evidence supports these added charges. In many cases, we’ve helped reduce or eliminate enhancements, cutting down exposure to excessive prison time.
How Can You Fight Robbery Charges in Pasadena?
Robbery charges are serious, but they can be challenged – and in many cases, reduced or dismissed. Every case is different, and the best defense depends on the facts. That’s why our Pasadena robbery attorneys start with a thorough investigation of the evidence, witnesses, and police conduct.
Some of the most effective defense strategies include:
Misidentification or False Accusation: Robberies happen quickly, often in stressful conditions. Victims and witnesses can easily mistake someone for the suspect. If surveillance footage, alibi evidence, or inconsistencies in testimony raise doubt, we can challenge the identification.
Lack of Intent to Steal: Robbery requires intent to take someone’s property permanently. If a person genuinely believed the item was theirs – a “claim of right” – there may be no criminal intent. We’ve seen arguments over ownership turn into robbery charges that didn’t hold up.
No Use of Force or Fear: If the prosecution can’t prove that force or threats were used, then it’s not robbery. For example, a quiet taking without confrontation might be theft, not robbery. We focus on how the incident actually unfolded.
Insufficient Evidence: The state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak, unclear, or missing key facts, we press for dismissal or reduction. We’ve had charges dropped due to unreliable witness statements or missing footage.
Violation of Your Rights: If police violated your rights – such as failing to give Miranda warnings or conducting an illegal search – we may be able to suppress critical evidence. These procedural violations can weaken or destroy the case.
Alibi or Duress: If you were somewhere else, or if someone forced you to participate under threat, we gather the proof to back it up. In certain rare cases, self-defense or coercion may apply.
Our role is to build a defense that reflects the truth of what happened – and to push back against overcharging.
Tony Tung and the robbery defense attorneys at Tung & Associates have helped clients in Pasadena challenge serious allegations and avoid convictions. The earlier we start, the more we can do to protect your rights.
What Should You Do After a Robbery Arrest?
What you do right after a robbery arrest can shape the outcome of your case. The most important step is to
stay silent and ask for a lawyer. Don’t explain, justify, or try to talk your way out – anything you say can be used against you.
Don’t speak to police without an attorney. Politely say you want a lawyer. We’ve seen cases fall apart simply because someone stayed quiet and let us step in early.
Preserve helpful evidence. Save texts, receipts, photos, or anything that proves where you were. Write down what happened while it’s still fresh – names, places, and times can be key to your defense.
Family members can call us too. If your loved one is in custody, we can act fast to protect their rights and begin building their defense.
Facing robbery charges is serious – but you don’t have to face them alone.
Call Pasadena robbery lawyer Tony Tung today at (626) 416-4668 for a
free, confidential consultation. We’ll take the time to listen, guide you forward, and fight for the best possible outcome.
