Legal Assistance for Those Suspected of Robbery
Two robbery suspects who had preyed on wealthy women in the Fort Lauderdale area have been arrested after a sting operation conducted by the local police. If convicted, both men could face hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. Both will need the services of a Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer. This type of assistance is available from the law firm of Hassett & Associates.
The two men had reportedly targeted women who were alone, drove fancy cars and wore expensive jewelry. According to the police, the suspects had stolen some $300,000 in jewelry from their victims over a period of two months. Their capture resulted from an operation that involved a female officer posing as a potential victim. Driving a luxury SUV, the officer wore both a tennis bracelet and a diamond ring to further attract the suspects.
The men were observed trailing the undercover officer as she appeared to run errands in the downtown section of Fort Lauderdale, finally accosting her after she walked out of the local library. However, they were at that point surrounded by other officers. Attempting to flee the scene, both suspects were captured and taken into custody, with one of them reportedly saying, “Give it up!”
A robbery involves the forceful taking of cash or property from someone else and can result in serious consequences under Florida law. The theft itself can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Suspects who use weapons in robberies can face up to 30 years behind bars. However, the offense does not require the use of violence to be considered a robbery. Suspects who use fear or intimidation can be charged with the crime under certain circumstances and face the same penalties.
Fort Lauderdale Robbery Defense Lawyer
Anyone who is charged with robbery should seek help from an experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal lawyer. Through proper representation, the suspect could have the charges reduced or even dropped. In the event that the case goes to trial, an attorney will provide advice throughout the entire process and is prepared to argue the facts before a jury. Kenneth P. Hassett has provided legal representation to clients in South Florida for nearly 30 years and has the knowledge to provide criminal suspects with the best possible defense. Those who have found themselves in a situation similar to the suspects in Fort Lauderdale should consider contacting the law firm of Hassett & Associates at 954-791-3939.
