ROBBERY BY SUDDEN SNATCHING
Pursuant to Florida Statute 812.131 Robbery by sudden snatching is the taking of money or other property from the victim’s person, with intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the victim or the owner of the money or other property, when, in the course of the taking, the victim was or became aware of the taking.
Robbery by sudden snatching is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.
To prove the crime of Robbery by Sudden Snatching, the State must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
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The accused took money or property from the person of the alleged victim.
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The property taken was of some value.
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The taking was with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive the alleged victim or the owner of his or her] right to the property.
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In the course of the taking, the alleged victim was or became aware of the taking.
Weapon Enhancement
If a weapon is possessed while committing a Robbery by Sudden Snatching, even if the weapon is not used, the crime becomes a Second Degree Felony.
10/20/Life Firearm Enhancement
If a firearm was possessed while in the commission of a Robbery by Sudden Snatching, a person can also be sentenced under Florida’s 10/20/Life statute.
Pursuant to the 10/20/Life statute, and depending on how the firearm was used, a person convicted of Robbery by Sudden Snatching with a Firearm could receive one of the following minimum-mandatory prison sentences:
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A minimum 10 year prison term for possessing the firearm during the robbery;
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A minimum 20 year prison term if the firearm was discharged; and
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A minimum 25 year prison term if someone is injured or killed by a firearm.
In addition to Robbery by Sudden Snatching, Florida criminalizes the following variations of Robbery:
A Robbery charge is a serious matter with severe penalties which is classified as a violent forcible felony. If you are charged with any type of Robbery or any criminal charge in Broward County, an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney is essential. For a free consultation to see how Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney David J. Sobel can defend you, contact David Sobel at 954-383-3000. You will be able to speak directly with David Sobel 24/7.