45+ Years Criminal Defense
Experience in California
At Wallin & Klarich, our Orange County robbery attorney defends people who face one of the most serious criminal charges under California law. Robbery is a violent felony that carries severe prison time and a permanent strike on your record. In 2024, robberies in California dropped by 7.5% compared to 2023, according to the Public Policy Institute of California's crime trends analysis. Yet the violent crime rate remains 9.8% above pre-pandemic levels, and firearms were involved in about 22.9% of all robberies statewide.
Our law offices bring over 40 years of criminal defense experience to clients facing robbery charges across Orange County and Southern California. Understanding the difference between first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery is critical to your defense, and knowing the legal process can help you prepare for what lies ahead.
At Wallin & Klarich, our criminal defense attorney team mounts an immediate, aggressive defense for clients facing robbery charges. We begin working on your criminal case from the first call because early action shapes outcomes. Our law offices bring over 40 years of extensive experience and deep familiarity with Orange County courts, judges, and prosecutors. We know what it takes to build a strong defense against a robbery charge.
Our firm has earned recognition for decades of criminal defense work:
Robbery is a strike offense under California's Three Strikes Law. Under Penal Code 667, a robbery conviction counts as a strike that can double the sentence for any future felony, so the stakes could not be higher. We offer a free consultation, flexible payment plans, and treat every client like family. Our goal is to fight for a favorable outcome in every robbery case we handle.
California law divides robbery into two categories. The degree of the charge depends on where the crime took place and who the victim was.
Under California Penal Code 211, robbery is the felonious taking of personal property from another person through force or fear. First-degree robbery applies when the alleged robbery occurs in specific circumstances.
The following situations lead to a first-degree robbery charge:
First-degree robbery carries a prison sentence of 3, 4, or 6 years. Sentencing enhancements can increase this term. Great bodily injury adds 3 to 6 years, firearm use adds 10 to 20 years, and criminal street gang involvement can add more time. First-degree robbery counts as a strike under California's Three Strikes Law, which means a conviction follows you for life.
All robberies that do not meet the criteria for first degree are charged as second degree robbery under California law. Second-degree robbery carries a prison sentence of 2, 3, or 5 years. Both first-degree and second-degree robbery are felonies. There is no misdemeanor robbery in California.
Our criminal defense attorney reviews every robbery case to ensure the prosecution has filed the correct charges. If the prosecutor proves only a second-degree robbery, the penalties are lower than for first-degree robbery. The critical element in any degree robbery charge is whether the prosecution's evidence shows force or fear. Without proof of force or fear, the charge should not stand as robbery at all.
Force or fear is the element that separates robbery from theft. Without it, the prosecutor cannot prove a robbery charge under California Penal Code 211.
California law requires the prosecutor to prove that the defendant used force or fear to take property from another person's possession or immediate presence. "Force" includes any physical act beyond what is needed to take the property. "Fear" means the defendant threatened the victim with injury to themselves, their family, or their property. The threat must cause real fear in the victim's mind. The specific elements the prosecution must prove are detailed in CALCRIM 1600, the California jury instruction for robbery.
Our defense attorney challenges the prosecution's evidence of force or fear in county robbery cases. If we can show that no force or fear was present, the charge may be reduced to petty theft or another lesser offense. This distinction can mean the difference between years in state prison and a much lighter sentence. Every detail matters when your freedom is at stake.
Our criminal defense attorney team uses several potential defenses based on the specific circumstances of your robbery case:
We build a tailored defense strategy for every county robbery case. Our skilled attorney team reviews the prosecution's case, examines every piece of evidence, and identifies the strongest path to raise reasonable doubt. A strong defense begins with understanding the facts and applying the right legal strategy to your circumstances.
A robbery conviction carries penalties that extend far beyond prison time. The impact of a criminal conviction for this violent crime can follow you for the rest of your life.
Prison time for robbery ranges from 2 to 6 years, depending on the degree of robbery classification. With sentencing enhancements, the sentence can reach up to 9 years. A convicted person may spend significant time in state prison, and there is no option for probation in many robbery cases.
A robbery criminal conviction also creates lasting consequences beyond your prison sentence:
For non-citizens, a robbery conviction may be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude or an aggravated felony under federal immigration law, which can trigger deportation, bar admission, or prevent naturalization. These consequences show why experienced criminal defense is critical to avoid or minimize a criminal conviction. An experienced attorney can fight to reduce charges, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Do not face an Orange County criminal charge of this severity without a strong legal team.
First-degree robbery involving an inhabited dwelling, an ATM, or a transit operator carries a 3- to 6-year prison sentence. Second-degree robbery carries a sentence of 2 to 5 years.
Yes. Under California law, all robbery charges are felonies. This applies to both first-degree and second-degree robbery. There is no misdemeanor robbery charge in California.
Yes, in some cases. If our defense attorney shows that no force or fear was used in the taking of property, the criminal charges may be reduced to petty theft.
Yes. Robbery is a violent felony and counts as a strike under California's Three Strikes Law. This doubles the sentences for any future felony criminal conviction.
Stay silent and contact our law offices right away for a free consultation. Early legal representation from a criminal defense attorney protects your rights from the start.
Our defense attorneys challenge evidence of force or fear, dispute witness identifications, and expose false accusations. We fight to reduce or dismiss criminal charges in your case.
Robbery is a strike offense. Your freedom and future depend on the defense team you choose. At Wallin & Klarich, our team of robbery defense attorneys brings over 40 years of criminal defense experience to clients across Orange County and Southern California. We have the extensive experience and resources to take on the toughest county robbery cases. As the California Department of Justice's crime data confirms, robbery remains one of the most aggressively prosecuted violent offenses in the state, making experienced legal defense essential.
We make it easy to take the first step:
Call us today at (877) 466-5245. Our law offices provide the aggressive legal representation you need to fight robbery criminal charges. Do not face a robbery charge alone. Call Wallin & Klarich today and let our experienced attorney team begin building your defense strategy for the best possible favorable outcome.
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