
Sacramento Robbery Lawyer
Experienced Defense Against Robbery Charges in California
Robbery is considered a serious criminal charge that can lead to severe penalties if convicted. If you are facing robbery charges, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense team on your side. At Donato Legal Group, our Sacramento robbery attorney is dedicated to helping clients who are facing robbery charges. We will work with you to build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call Donato Legal Group today at (916) 318-5997 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our robbery attorney in Sacramento.
What is Robbery?
Robbery is a serious criminal offense in California, and it is essential to understand what it entails. Robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of someone else's personal property through the use of force or fear. In essence, it involves theft but with the added element of violence or intimidation. This distinguishes robbery from other theft-related crimes, such as burglary or larceny.
To be charged with robbery in California, the prosecution must establish the following key elements:
- Taking of Property: The defendant must have taken someone else's property without their consent.
- Personal Property: The property taken must be personal and owned by another individual.
- Use of Force or Fear: The defendant must have used force or instilled fear in the victim to complete the theft.
- Intent: The defendant must have had the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property.
Robbery can be classified into two main categories:
- First-Degree Robbery: This involves robbery in an inhabited dwelling or during a carjacking, which carries more severe penalties.
- Second-Degree Robbery: This includes all other types of robbery not covered by the first-degree category.
What are the Penalties for Robbery in California?
Robbery is a felony in California, and those convicted can face harsh penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The specific penalties for robbery can vary depending on several factors, such as the degree of robbery and any additional circumstances involved. The potential penalties include:
- First-Degree Robbery: This is the more severe type of robbery, and those convicted can face up to nine years in state prison.
- Second-Degree Robbery: Convictions for second-degree robbery can result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
How to Defend Against Robbery Charges
Some common defenses against robbery charges may include:
- Lack of Intent: If it can be proven that the defendant did not have the intention to permanently deprive the owner of their property, the robbery charge may be challenged.
- Mistaken Identity: Sometimes, witnesses may misidentify the defendant as the perpetrator, and a solid alibi or evidence of mistaken identity can be a powerful defense.
- False Accusations: Allegations of robbery may be based on false statements or malicious intent, and a thorough investigation can uncover the truth.
- Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution must prove all aspects of the robbery charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is insufficient evidence to support the allegations, the charges may be dismissed or reduced.
- Duress or Necessity: In some cases, a defendant may have committed the robbery under duress or out of necessity, which can be a viable defense strategy.
- Police Misconduct: If law enforcement violated the defendant's rights during the investigation or arrest, it may lead to the suppression of evidence or a dismissal of charges.
Contact Our Robbery Attorney in Sacramento Today
The consequences of a robbery conviction can be life-altering, and you need a legal advocate who will fight vigorously to protect your rights and your future. At Donato Legal Group, our Sacramento robbery lawyer will provide you with the guidance and representation you need to navigate the legal process and reach the best possible result for your case. Your freedom and your future are our top priorities.
Contact Donato Legal Group today to get started with our Sacramento robbery lawyer.

Recent Case Results
We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Case Dismissed Felony Charge
Getting this felony case dismissed at preliminary hearing was a fight. But by effectively cross examining the arresting officer and showing that our client was not an accomplice to the alleged crime, Mr. Donato succeeded in getting this dismissal. Our client came into the preliminary hearing facing felony charges of conspiracy and battery with great bodily injury, and he walked out a free man with an untarnished record.
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Not Guilty Sexual Assault
With a client facing life in prison on sexual assault charges, our office decided to take this case to trial. After fighting to expose the holes in the Prosecution's case, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all counts. Our client was released from custody the same day.
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Reduced to a misdemeanor Charged with felony sexual battery
Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; the client was charged with felony sexual battery and looking at his third strike and 25 years to Life in prison; upon body worn camera review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and had the case reduced to a misdemeanor and the client was released from jail custody that day.
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Case Dismissed Felony Marijuana Charges
Dismissed Client was charged with multiple felony marijuana related charges. Our investigation showed that client was not involved in the operation although she was present during execution of the search warrant. The case was dismissed as to our client, whereas the co-defendants were convicted.
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Case Dismissed Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Dismissed Client was charged with brandishing a firearm when he had a confrontation with his daughter’s boyfriend in his own home. We effectively fought to get this case dismissed on the eve of trial.
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Full Acquittal DUI
Our office took this case to jury trial and received a full acquittal on all charges including DUI and refusing to take a chemical test. This would have been Mr. Sanchez's second DUI and would have resulted in a year long license revocation.
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Penalty Reduced Domestic Violence with Great Bodily Injury
People v. Carter Reduced (Probation) Client was a professional athlete and broke his girlfriend’s elbow during a domestic incident. Original offer was five years in prison. Our investigation showed the conflicts and changes in the victim’s story, and we effectively negotiated the case down to house arrest and probation.
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Not Guilty Gang Enhancement
Our office was proud to defeat the gang enhancement charge at trial for our client, who was charged with possessing a firearm for the benefit of a gang. Defeating the gang enhancement was the sole reason for going to trial, and it saved our client from gaining a second strike conviction, not to mention significant prison time.
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Case Dismissed Battery Charge
This battery case was ultimately dismissed after our office conducted investigation and found independent witnesses who stated that the victim lied to police and actually started the fight. The DA agreed to dismiss the case and Ms. August was able to maintain her clean record.
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Case Dismissed Vehicle Theft and Evading Law Enforcement
With our client charged with felony vehicle theft and evading law enforcement, Mr. Donato sought out the necessary investigation to show that his client was actually not the driver of the vehicle. The DA dismissed all charges.
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Acquittal Attempted Murder
Client was facing life in prison for attempted murder after a shooting on a bus where the jury found the client acted in self-defense.
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Not Guilty Attempted Murder
Client was charged with several felonies including attempted murder and was acquitted of this charge by means of self-defense.
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Acquitted of ALL charges (Trial) Felony Sexual Assault of a Minor
Client was a group home employee and was accused by one of the (minor) group home residents of sexual misconduct. Our office successfully showed the complaining witness was lying about the allegations, and the jury unanimously acquitted Ms. Roberts of all charges after deliberating for only a few hours.
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Case Dismissed Robbery
Client was facing robbery charges and our investigation showed the witness was not likely to show up for trial. We pushed to get this case before a jury, and when the prosecution was unable to produce evidence against our client the case was dismissed.
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Penalty Reduced Felony DUI
Client had previously been to prison for multiple DUI’s and was arrested again for DUI. We got client into treatment and persuaded the court (over the prosecutor’s objection) to sentence him to rehab instead of prison. Mr. Gerber is now a successful (and sober) project manager in the Bay Area.
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Not Guilty Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
Client was charged with multiple felony assaults and unlawful discharge of a firearm with gang enhancements and looking at life in prison. Mr. Donato was able to get a full acquittal.
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Case Dismissed Possessing Marijuana for Sale
Mr. Donato covinced the District Attorney that his client was protected under the Medical Marijuana Laws as a legal caregiver, and all felony charges regarding possessing marijuana for sale were dismissed.
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Dismissed 1st Degree Murder
Appointed Indigent Defense Counsel in San Joaquin County; Client was charged with 1st Degree Murder looking at 75 years to Life in prison: upon case discovery review, Mr. Donato was able to present evidence to the DA and get the entire case dismissed in the interest of justice.
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Full Acquittal DUI
Mr. Donato won a full acquittal at trial by showing that the DA could not prove Mr. Brown was under the influence of alcohol at the time he was driving. The jury concluded the case was too speculative, and Mr. Brown walked on all DUI charges against him.
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Case Dismissed DUI
Our cient's DUI was dismissed after we obtained the officer's in car camera video which revealed the officer had fabricated major portions of the report. Thanks in part to Mr. Donato's discoveries, the officer in this case was arrested and eventually plead guilty to numerous counts of perjury and obstruction of justice. The officer was ultimately sentenced to prison.
