North Miami Man Arrested on Suspicion of Several Armed Robberies
According to reporting from WPLG Local 10 News, Jonathan Daniels, a 37-year-old man from North Miami, has been arrested on multiple robbery charges. Reports indicate that he was detained after a joint law enforcement operation conducted by officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Miami-Dade Police Department.
In filing the charges, prosecutors allege that Mr. Daniels was involved in the armed robbery of at least four different convenience stores located in multiple jurisdictions across South Florida. Though, as further investigation is still ongoing, a spokesperson for law enforcement also told reporters that additional charges against this defendant may still be coming. Below, our Miami violent crimes lawyers explain the basics of a robbery charge in Florida.
Florida Law: Robbery Charges
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 812.13), the severity of a robbery charge will vary based on the nature of the underlying offense. Indeed, robbery can be charged as either a first, second, or third degree felony. To be clear, there is no such thing as misdemeanor robbery in Florida. While defendants may face misdemeanor petit theft charges, the taking of property by actual or implied violence can always be charged as a felony—regardless of the value of the property. In other words, every robbery offense is punishable by jail time. To be convicted of a robbery charge in Florida, prosecutors must prove that the defendant:
- Took money or property from another party; and
- Did so through the actual or threatened use of physical force.
By definition, Florida considers robbery to be a violent crime. It is an extremely serious criminal offense—and prosecutors are frequently highly aggressive in pursuing robbery charges. If you or your loved one was arrested for robbery in Miami, you need a top-rated lawyer on your side. Remember, the burden of proof is always on prosecutors. It is their responsibility to present evidence establishing every element of the charge. If they cannot do so, then the criminal charges are inappropriate.
Robbery Committed With a Deadly Weapon is a First Degree Felony
Generally, the crime will be charged as a first degree felony if the offender carried or used a deadly weapon in the course of committed the crime. The threat of the use of a deadly weapon is sufficient to justify a first degree felony charge in Florida. For example, if a defendant used a gun the course of committed the crime—whether or not any shot was fired—prosecutors can charge the crime as a first degree felony. In Florida, a first degree felony is a very serious criminal offense. It is punishable by a maximum of 30 years in prison and 30 years probation.
Speak to Our Miami, FL Robbery Defense Lawyers Right Away
At Ratzan & Faccidomo, LLC, our Miami violent crimes lawyers have the skills and training needed to handle robbery and theft cases. We believe that every person deserves exceptional legal representation. To arrange a free, fully private review of your case, please call us now. With an office in Miami, our criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout Miami-Dade County.
Resource:
h.local10.com/news/florida/broward/feds-announce-arrest-of-miami-man-suspected-in-multiple-armed-robberies
