If you’ve been accused of robbery in California, your freedom and future could be at serious risk. Robbery is a violent felony offense that involves taking property directly from another person through the use of force or fear. A conviction can carry severe consequences, including a strike, years in state prison, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of certain civil rights.

At the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals facing robbery charges. Whether you’re accused of a first-time offense or have prior convictions, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are prepared to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights at every stage.

Understanding Robbery Charges in California

Under California Penal Code § 211, robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of personal property from another person or their immediate presence, against their will, by means of force or fear. Robbery is classified into two degrees:

  • First-degree robbery – Typically involves victims who are in a home, drivers or passengers of commercial vehicles, or people using or just leaving an ATM.
  • Second-degree robbery – All other types of robbery.

Convictions for first-degree robbery can result in up to 6 years in state prison, while second-degree robbery carries up to 5 years. Sentencing enhancements—such as using a weapon or causing injury—can lead to more time. 

But not all robbery charges involve weapons or dramatic confrontations. One of the most misunderstood — and most aggressively prosecuted — forms is the Estes robbery.

What Is Estes Robbery

Estes robbery arises from the 1983 California case People v. Estes. In that case, the court held that if a person uses force or fear to escape after shoplifting — even outside the store — the crime becomes robbery, not just theft.

Example: If someone is caught shoplifting and then pushes or threatens a store employee while fleeing, they can be charged with robbery instead of petty theft. No weapon or serious injury is required.

Why It Matters: What may have started as a simple misdemeanor shoplifting can suddenly be turned into a violent felony, carrying prison time, a strike offense, and long-term consequences.

How We Defend Against Robbery Charges

We tailor every defense to the facts of your case. Some common strategies include:

  • Lack of force or fear
  • Lack of specific intent
  • Mistaken identity
  • False accusations
  • Violation of constitutional rights
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Challenging whether the use of force was connected to the taking of property

Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, challenge unreliable witness testimony, and work to suppress any unlawfully obtained evidence.

Why Choose Us?

  • Extensive experience with robbery and violent felony cases, including Estes robbery
  • Hands-on, client-centered legal strategy
  • In-depth knowledge of California’s criminal justice system
  • Relentless advocacy from pre-filing through trial
  • Proven track record in serious felony defense

Don’t let a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse ruin your life. If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery, contact the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright today for a free confidential consultation and find out how we can help you fight back.

Robbery Defense in California

If you’ve been accused of robbery in California, your freedom and future could be at serious risk. Robbery is a violent felony offense that involves taking property directly from another person through the use of force or fear. A conviction can carry severe consequences, including a strike, years in state prison, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of certain civil rights.

At the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals facing robbery charges. Whether you’re accused of a first-time offense or have prior convictions, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are prepared to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights at every stage.

Understanding Robbery Charges in California

Under California Penal Code § 211, robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of personal property from another person or their immediate presence, against their will, by means of force or fear. Robbery is classified into two degrees:

  • First-degree robbery – Typically involves victims who are in a home, drivers or passengers of commercial vehicles, or people using or just leaving an ATM.
  • Second-degree robbery – All other types of robbery.

Convictions for first-degree robbery can result in up to 6 years in state prison, while second-degree robbery carries up to 5 years. Sentencing enhancements—such as using a weapon or causing injury—can lead to more time. 

But not all robbery charges involve weapons or dramatic confrontations. One of the most misunderstood — and most aggressively prosecuted — forms is the Estes robbery.

What Is Estes Robbery

Estes robbery arises from the 1983 California case People v. Estes. In that case, the court held that if a person uses force or fear to escape after shoplifting — even outside the store — the crime becomes robbery, not just theft.

Example: If someone is caught shoplifting and then pushes or threatens a store employee while fleeing, they can be charged with robbery instead of petty theft. No weapon or serious injury is required.

Why It Matters: What may have started as a simple misdemeanor shoplifting can suddenly be turned into a violent felony, carrying prison time, a strike offense, and long-term consequences.

How We Defend Against Robbery Charges

We tailor every defense to the facts of your case. Some common strategies include:

  • Lack of force or fear
  • Lack of specific intent
  • Mistaken identity
  • False accusations
  • Violation of constitutional rights
  • Insufficient evidence
  • Challenging whether the use of force was connected to the taking of property

Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, challenge unreliable witness testimony, and work to suppress any unlawfully obtained evidence.

Why Choose Us?

  • Extensive experience with robbery and violent felony cases, including Estes robbery
  • Hands-on, client-centered legal strategy
  • In-depth knowledge of California’s criminal justice system
  • Relentless advocacy from pre-filing through trial
  • Proven track record in serious felony defense

Don’t let a misunderstanding or a momentary lapse ruin your life. If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery, contact the Law Offices of Maxwell J. Wright today for a free confidential consultation and find out how we can help you fight back.