Luke used to live in a troubled home in Denver. His parents were verbally abusive to him. After moving out on his own, he began struggling financially. One day, when he was waiting in line to buy groceries, he noticed a woman in front of him with a large purse. She didn't have any family or friends with her, and there weren't many other customers in the store. This was enough motivation for Luke to grab her purse from her and make a run for it. Unfortunately, what Luke didn't realize was that this woman was in her 70's. As a result, if caught he would face charges of Robbery of an At-Risk Elder.

The Definition of Douglas County Robbery and Robbery of An At-Risk Elder

Robbery, C.R.S. 18-4-301, is charged across Colorado when:

“a person knowingly takes anything of value from the person or presence of another by the use of force, threats, or intimidation.”

In Douglas and Arapahoe County, the definition of Robbery of an At-Risk Elder, C.R.S. 18-6.5-103(4) is:

Any person who commits robbery, as such crime is described in section 18-4-301(1), and the victim is an at-risk adult or an at-risk juvenile, commits a class 3 felony. If the offender is convicted of robbery of an at-risk adult or an at-risk juvenile, the court shall sentence the defendant to the department of corrections for at least the presumptive sentence under section 18-1.3-401(1).”

Since the woman who Luke robbed was in her 70's, she qualifies as an at-risk elder. And, since Luke took her purse (a thing of value) by force, he would face charges of Robbery Against an At-Risk Elder. Robbery is normally a class 4 felony, but when it is against an at-risk elder, it increases to a class 3 felony. Sentencing involves mandatory prison time.  An at-risk person, whether they're elderly or disabled, has a harder time defending themselves. However, people (like Luke) often don't think about this. They're not thinking about how crimes against an at-risk person are treated more harshly when they're committing a crime. They're thinking about their current hardships.

Facing charges of a crime against an at-risk person?

When Charges Are Aggravated, Our Denver Lawyers Give Grace

Our Denver criminal defense attorneys understand situations of aggravated charges.There are many cases of Robbery of an At-Risk Elder similar to Luke's throughout Denver and Adams County. Luke was in a desperate financial situation, without much support from his family. His poor treatment at home probably led to his unstable mindset. And, above all else, his situation was unlucky. His criminal charges were aggravated because he happened to rob someone considered to be “at risk”. Our criminal defense lawyers understand situations of aggravated charges. If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges against an at-risk elder or adult, contact our criminal defense attorneys immediately. We will fight hard for the best possible outcome of your case.

Get Help Now

If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime against an At Risk Adult or At Risk Juvenile, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

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