Criminal Law – Robbery

343. Every one commits robbery who

 (a) steals, and for the purpose of extorting whatever is stolen or to prevent or overcome resistance to the stealing, uses violence or threats of violence to a person or property;

(b) steals from any person and, at the time he steals or immediately before or immediately thereafter, wounds, beats, strikes or uses any personal violence to that person;

(c) assaults any person with intent to steal from him; or

(d) steals from any person while armed with an offensive weapon or imitation thereof.

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/page-170.html#docCont

Robbery charges are Indictable offences.  Robbery charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.  If it is proven that a firearm was used while committing the robbery for a criminal organization, a minimum sentence of 5 years is set for the first offence and a minimum sentence of 7 years on the second offence.  Otherwise, if is proven that a firearm is used in the commission of any robbery there is a minimum sentence of 4 years in jail.

Noting the above, not everyone that is charged with an offence is found guilty.  The Crown Attorney has the burden of proving all the elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.

A lawyer can help secure your freedom.
A Lawyer may properly challenge the Crown Attorney’s case.  A Lawyer may be able to question the Crown Attorney’s witnesses and statements of the events which may lead the trier of fact, Judge or Jury, to find that the crown has not met their burden of proving every element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt resulting in a favourable verdict for you.

A lawyer can help secure a lesser sentence.
If one is guilty of an offence, whether by a guilty plea or after a trial, the court is left with the decision on sentencing.  The Criminal Code of Canada provides a basic guideline of Maximum and Minimum sentencing permitted and the types of Sentences available for each offence under the Criminal Code of Canada.  A lawyer may advocate for a sentence specifically tailored for the individual, which usually means lesser probation, fine, or jail than that sought by the Crown Attorney.

The law is vast and complex.  I can help!