Under Florida law, robbery by sudden snatching (Fla. Stat. § 812.131) occurs when someone takes or attempts to take property from another person without their consent, and the taking happens suddenly and without warning. The key characteristic of this crime is the "sudden" nature of the theft—meaning there is no prior planning or use of force, but the victim is still deprived of their property.
What Is Robbery by Sudden Snatching?
Under Florida law, robbery by sudden snatching (Fla. Stat. § 812.131) occurs when someone takes or attempts to take property from another person without their consent, and the taking happens suddenly and without warning. The key characteristic of this crime is the "sudden" nature of the theft—meaning there is no prior planning or use of force, but the victim is still deprived of their property.
A robbery by sudden snatching can occur in public spaces, such as on the street, in a parking lot, or at a store. The crime is defined as:
- Taking property from the person of another: The property must be taken directly from the victim’s person (e.g., purse, wallet, phone).
- Without the victim’s consent: The victim must not have agreed to give up the property.
- Use of force or threats: Unlike other robbery charges, robbery by sudden snatching does not require the use of force or threats, only the act of taking property quickly and unexpectedly.
Penalties for Robbery by Sudden Snatching in Florida
Robbery by sudden snatching in Florida is a second-degree felony, which carries significant penalties. If convicted, you could face:
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Probation or community control
- Restitution to the victim
Additionally, a conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record, which can have long-term consequences on employment, housing, and other aspects of life
Defenses Against Robbery by Sudden Snatching Charges
There are several defenses a skilled criminal defense attorney may use to fight robbery by sudden snatching charges, including:
- Lack of Intent: If there was no intent to permanently deprive the victim of their property, you might be able to argue that the elements of the crime are not met.
- No Taking of Property: If the property was never actually taken or if there was no contact with the victim’s property, the charge may not apply.
- Mistaken Identity: It’s possible that you were falsely identified as the person who committed the robbery. Your attorney can work to challenge the identification and evidence against you.
- Consent: If the victim consented to the transfer of property or handed it over voluntarily, the crime of robbery by sudden snatching may not be applicable.
- Lack of Force or Threat: Since the charge does not require force or threats, but only a sudden taking, your attorney may argue that there was no sufficient evidence of the "snatching" behavior.
- Alibi: If you were somewhere else when the crime occurred, an alibi defense could help prove that you did not commit the robbery.
- Improper Search or Seizure: If the evidence against you was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights, it may be suppressed or excluded from the case.
Contact a Florida Robbery Defense Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery by sudden snatching in Florida, contact us online or by calling our office at 954-861-0384 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys. Time is critical when facing criminal charges, and early intervention can make all the difference in your case.