Under New Jersey law, a theft becomes robbery if the victim is subject to physical force or threat of harm during the course of the offense. Robbery is a serious crime since it is punishable by a decade or more in prison and fines of more than $100,000. The charge is further problematic because it falls under the No Early Release Act (“NERA”). Potential consequences such as these make it absolutely necessary for you to obtain the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney if you were charged with strong-arm robbery or armed robbery under N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1. No matter the circumstances that led to your being arrested, you will need skillful representation in order to achieve the best resolution to the case.

In order to convict you, the prosecutor must establish beyond a reasonable doubt that:

1. You attempted to or actually committed a theft
2. You threatened or used force during the course of that theft
3. That force or threat of force actually occurred during the theft or flight from the theft
4. You acted intentionally

Remember, all four of these must be established. Make sure to contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who can help show that the prosecutor failed to prove all of these.