Hassett & Associates, P.A.
Call 24/7 - (954) 791-3939 | Hablamos Español
Hassett & Associates, P.A.
Call 24/7 - (954) 791-3939 | Hablamos Español

Main Office:
6099 Stirling Road, Ste 217
Davie, FL 33314
954-791-3939

Broward Office:
1327 SE 2nd Ave.
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-760-9911

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Miami, FL
305-567-1211

Hollywood Man Charged With Robbing Victim While Dressed as Spider-Man

Hollywood robbery attorney

Help From a Hollywood Robbery Attorney

In Florida, what would otherwise be charged as a first- or second-degree misdemeanor petit theft offense can be transformed into a serious felony robbery offense when the perpetrator uses force, threats, or intimidation to take something from the victim with the intent to permanently deprive the victim of their property. People who are convicted of robbery in Florida can face time in prison, stiff fines, restitution, and other penalties. Even after a sentence is discharged, someone with a robbery conviction on their record might struggle to find employment and housing and have difficulties in their relationships with friends and family. Recently, a Hollywood, Florida man was charged with robbery after allegedly taking money from an alleged victim. Here are some details about the case from Hollywood criminal lawyer Kenneth P. Hassett and the penalties the man might face if convicted.

Hollywood Man Arrested for Robbery

The Hollywood Police Department reports that a man was arrested for allegedly robbing a woman near the intersection of Dixie Street and Federal Highway in Hollywood on July 11. According to the police, the man was dressed in a full Spider-Man costume at the time of the alleged robbery. The alleged victim reportedly posed with the defendant earlier during the evening to have a photo taken. He was dressed from head to toe like Spider-Man and also wore distinctive and bright yellow shorts and neon shoes.

Later in the evening, the woman reported that she encountered the man again. During this encounter, the man reportedly struck the woman with a blunt object, striking her to the ground. He allegedly stole $45 in cash before fleeing the scene. According to the police, the woman gave them a specific description of the man who struck and robbed her. The officers quickly found the man still dressed in the Spider-Man costume, yellow shorts, and neon shoes.

The police provided a video showing the man refusing to follow the police officers’ orders or to get on the ground. In the video, the police can be seen with Tasers. The man yelled that he didn’t do anything and that he wasn’t resisting arrest. He also stated that he just wanted to go home. The man was arrested after shouting back and forth with the officers. He told the judge in court on Tuesday that he is innocent. The man was charged with one count of robbery and one count of resisting arrest without violence. The man was released from custody on a $6,000 bond.

Robbery Charges in Florida

Under § 812.13, Fla. Stat. (2021), people can be charged with robbery when they take cash or other property from a person with the intent to permanently deprive the victim of their interest in the property while using force, assault, violence, or intimidation. Robbery can be charged in this type of situation when force, fear, assault, or violence is used even when the value of the property is minimal.

For example, in the man’s case, he is accused of taking $45 from the woman. If no force or assault had been used, taking $45 would normally be charged as a second-degree petit theft under § 812.014, Fla. Stat. (2021), which is a second-degree misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail or six months of probation and a fine of $500. However, the man’s alleged use of force and assault by striking the woman with a blunt object instead makes the offense a robbery. When a defendant uses a weapon to commit a robbery, it is a first-degree felony carrying a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If no weapon is used, it is a second-degree felony carrying a potential sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Defending Against Robbery Charges

While robbery is a serious crime, a Hollywood robbery attorney at Hassett & Associates, P.A. can still defend against these types of charges. Attorney Kenneth P. Hassett has more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of his clients and understands the potential defenses that might be available to his clients. If you are facing robbery charges or have a loved one in a similar situation, contact the law firm of Hassett & Associates, P.A. to request a consultation by calling (954) 791-3939.

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