Robbery
Facing a robbery charge? We understand that a robbery allegation can put your freedom, employment, travel, reputation and future at risk. We provide focused criminal defence for clients facing allegations involving violence, threats, weapons, intimidation or force in connection with taking property.
Robbery
Facing a robbery charge? We understand that a robbery allegation can put your freedom, employment, travel, reputation and future at risk. We provide focused criminal defence for clients facing allegations involving violence, threats, weapons, intimidation or force in connection with taking property.
We provide strategic criminal defence for robbery charges in Brampton, Mississauga and throughout the GTA. We review the disclosure, examine identification and surveillance evidence, test witness accounts and allegations of threats or force, assess statements and investigate the evidence connecting you to the alleged offence.
A robbery allegation does not automatically establish guilt. We assess whether the Crown can prove every required element beyond a reasonable doubt and identify weaknesses involving identity, intent, force, threats, participation and the circumstances surrounding the alleged taking. Our goal is to build a defence strategy around the evidence in your case.
What Is Robbery Under Canadian Criminal Law?
When we take on a robbery case, we first identify the exact form of robbery alleged and the elements the Crown must prove. Section 343 of the Criminal Code addresses robbery, which can involve stealing while using violence or threats of violence, assaulting a person with intent to steal, or stealing while armed with an offensive weapon or imitation weapon, depending on the circumstances.
The precise legal classification depends on the facts and charge. We examine the allegations and disclosure to determine whether the evidence supports the additional circumstances required to elevate the alleged conduct from theft to robbery.
We review the charge, disclosure and surrounding circumstances to determine whether the evidence supports the specific form of robbery alleged. An allegation of theft combined with a dispute does not automatically establish robbery.
Evidence & Forensic Review
Scrutiny of surveillance videos, eyewitness reliability, line-up procedures, and digital trails.
Strict Burden of Proof
Challenging the Crown on identity, intent, force, threats, and alleged co-accused participation.
Batish Law Defence Advocacy
Our criminal defence practice defends clients facing robbery, armed robbery, theft, and violent property allegations at the A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse in Brampton and across the GTA.
Robbery Allegation Categories We Defend
Robbery charges vary widely based on the specific aggravating factors alleged by the prosecution, from physical altercations to weapon allegations.
Robbery Involving Force or Violence
Where force or violence is alleged, we examine the evidence the Crown relies on, including witness testimony, surveillance footage, medical evidence, photographs and communications, to determine what actually happened.
We examine the precise sequence of events, including who initiated physical contact, what was said before and during the incident, whether force was actually used, the purpose of the alleged force and whether the evidence reliably identifies you.
Where several people were involved in a physical confrontation, we work to establish the complete context. A brief allegation of “force” may not accurately reflect the full sequence of events.
Robbery Involving Threats
Where threats or intimidation are alleged, we examine the exact words or conduct relied upon, who allegedly made the statement, when it occurred and the circumstances in which it was communicated.
We assess witness recollection in light of stress, lighting, distance, timing and the speed of the incident. We also review communications and surveillance footage for context, completeness and consistency with the other evidence.
Where the prosecution relies on an alleged threat, we challenge whether the evidence establishes the alleged conduct and the required connection between that threat and the taking of property.
Armed Robbery Allegations
If a robbery charge involves a weapon or imitation weapon, we closely examine the allegation because it can materially increase the seriousness of the case. We assess whether the evidence reliably establishes the weapon allegation and connects it to you.
We examine whether a weapon was actually present, whether it was correctly identified, who allegedly possessed it, what you knew about it and whether the evidence reliably connects you to it.
We review physical evidence, surveillance footage, witness testimony and statements for reliability, consistency and gaps in the prosecution's case.
Identification Is Often a Critical Issue
We closely review eyewitness identification, surveillance footage, photographs, lineup procedures and other evidence the Crown relies on to connect you to the incident.
We assess the conditions surrounding identification, including lighting, distance, duration of observation, facial visibility, prior familiarity and the circumstances in which the witness later identified you. These factors can be important when challenging unreliable identification evidence.
We review surveillance footage carefully to determine what it actually establishes. Video may show clothing, movement or general appearance without reliably establishing identity beyond a reasonable doubt.
Alibi Defences in Robbery Cases
If you were somewhere else when the alleged robbery occurred, we can investigate and develop an alibi defence using available evidence such as location records, receipts, surveillance footage, employment records, communications, transportation records and witness testimony.
We investigate alibi evidence promptly and work to preserve relevant records and witness evidence before they become difficult to obtain.
If you believe you have an alibi, contact us as soon as possible and preserve any records that may establish where you were.
Participation and Accomplice Allegations
If more than one person is accused, we examine the prosecution's specific theory of your alleged role. The Crown may allege that one person committed the physical act while another assisted, encouraged or participated.
We examine the evidence against you individually. Being present with another person does not automatically establish criminal participation, and we assess whether the Crown can establish the legal basis for the involvement alleged against you.
We review communications, location evidence, vehicle records, surveillance footage and witness testimony to determine whether they actually establish the participation alleged against you.
Intent in Robbery Cases
We examine what you intended, what you knew and how the alleged events unfolded when assessing whether the Crown can establish the required elements of the offence.
An argument, physical confrontation or misunderstanding does not automatically become robbery simply because property was later involved. We assess the precise circumstances and evidence to determine whether the legal requirements are established.
We review statements, messages, witness accounts and the sequence of events for evidence relevant to intent.
Challenging Witness Evidence
We closely examine witness accounts, including the conditions in which observations were made, the consistency of the evidence and whether recollections changed over time.
We compare original police statements with later testimony and look for differences between witnesses and inconsistencies between witness evidence and physical or video evidence.
If a case proceeds to trial, we use cross-examination to test the reliability of material evidence and focus on inconsistencies that may affect important issues in the case.
Surveillance and Digital Evidence
We review surveillance cameras, mobile phone records, location information, social media, messages and other digital evidence that may form part of the prosecution's case.
We examine digital evidence for authenticity, completeness and context. A short video clip or isolated message may not show the entire sequence of events.
We assess whether the evidence actually identifies you, whether timestamps are reliable, whether footage is complete and whether the surrounding evidence supports the interpretation advanced by the prosecution.
Potential Defence Issues in Robbery Cases
Every robbery prosecution involves unique evidentiary dynamics. We scrutinize the disclosure across essential legal dimensions to expose critical weaknesses in the prosecution's allegations:
Robbery vs. Theft
If theft and robbery are both considered in your case, we distinguish the legal requirements for each offence. Robbery involves additional circumstances such as violence, threats, assault in connection with stealing or the presence of a weapon or imitation weapon, depending on the statutory provision.
We assess whether the evidence establishes the additional facts required for robbery. An allegation of theft does not automatically prove the more serious robbery charge.
We assess whether the evidence supports the specific offence charged and whether the Crown has established every required element beyond a reasonable doubt.
Robbery vs. Other Violent Offences
Robbery allegations can arise alongside assault, weapons, intimidation or other criminal charges. We assess the legal requirements for each allegation separately.
We examine each charge individually while considering how the evidence overlaps. A single incident may produce several allegations, but each charge still requires its own legal foundation.
Where the prosecution relies on the same evidence for multiple charges, we examine whether weaknesses in identification, chronology or credibility affect the case as a whole.
Potential Consequences of a Robbery Conviction
We assess the potential consequences of a robbery conviction based on the exact charge, whether weapons or violence were involved, the circumstances, your prior record and applicable sentencing principles.
We also consider the practical consequences a conviction may have beyond the sentence, including employment, professional licensing, travel, immigration status and reputation.
We do not assume an outcome from the maximum penalty alone. We review the charge, disclosure, circumstances and prior record before advising you about sentencing or resolution options.
What to Do After Being Charged With Robbery
Taking the right procedural steps immediately following an arrest or charge protects your legal position and preserves essential evidence:
Keep Court Paperwork
Keep your release paperwork, appearance notice, summons and all court documents organized and safe.
Do Not Discuss Case
Do not discuss the allegations with the complainant, co-accused, or potential witnesses.
Stay Off Social Media
Do not post about the incident, charges, or surrounding events on social media platforms.
Preserve Digital Records
Preserve messages, photographs, location records, GPS data, and other potentially relevant evidence.
Write Down Recollection
Write down your recollection of the events while details, times, and locations are fresh.
Identify Alibi Witnesses
Identify potential alibi witnesses and relevant timeline records as soon as possible.
Do Not Alter Evidence
Do not delete, modify, or alter digital evidence, text threads, or phone call logs.
Do Not Provide Statements
Do not provide a detailed statement to police or investigators without legal advice.
Avoid Rushed Pleas
Do not enter a guilty plea before reviewing the disclosure, evidence, and potential defences.
Contact Defence Counsel
Contact an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible to start building your defence.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
We recommend obtaining legal advice early because robbery cases can involve significant disclosure, including surveillance footage, witness statements, digital records and physical evidence. Early involvement allows us to identify issues and help preserve evidence while records and memories are still available.
We can also review your release conditions, communication restrictions and other obligations and explain how they may affect your case while it is before the court.
Where an alibi or identification issue exists, we can investigate it early and take steps to preserve relevant footage, records and witness evidence.
Preserve Video & Alibi Evidence Promptly
Surveillance footage from businesses and transit systems is often overwritten within days or weeks. Early legal representation ensures that vital exonerating records are preserved.
Robbery Defence in Brampton and Mississauga
We represent clients facing robbery and other serious criminal allegations in Brampton, Mississauga and throughout the GTA. We build our defence strategy around the prosecution's evidence, the specific elements of the charge and your individual circumstances.
Depending on your case, we may challenge identification, test allegations of force or threats, examine weapon evidence, investigate an alibi, assess participation allegations and review digital or surveillance evidence.
Whether your case is scheduled for trial at 7755 Hurontario Street in Brampton or another courthouse across the Greater Toronto Area, we deliver strategic and dedicated courtroom defence.
Why Choose Us for Robbery Defence?
Frequently Asked Questions About Robbery Charges
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Speak With a Robbery Defence Lawyer
Facing a robbery charge? We provide strategic criminal defence focused on the evidence, identification, force, threats and your defence options. Contact us today to discuss your case. Call 1-888-959-2499 or request a consultation online.
