Serious Charges, Real Consequences, Focused Help for Theft-Related Crimes
Being accused of robbery is frightening. You may be worried about prison, a permanent felony record, and what will happen to your job and family. If your case arises from an arrest in or around Topeka, you need to understand your options and your rights as quickly as possible.
At Addair Law, we focus our work on a small number of practice areas, including criminal defense, and we have provided personalized representation across Kansas since 2005. Our attorneys defend people facing serious felony accusations, and we guide clients whose cases are filed in the Shawnee County District Court in Topeka and other Kansas district courts.
Reach out to a robbery criminal defense lawyer in Topeka at (785) 645-2732 or contact us online now. At Addair Law, we leverage our experience and the fact that we serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients to protect your rights and your liberty.
Understanding Robbery Laws in Kansas
Kansas law provides a clear but strict definition of robbery under K.S.A. 21-5420. A Topeka robbery attorney must be prepared to navigate the specific distinctions between basic and aggravated charges, as the difference in prison time can be measured in years.
Robbery (K.S.A. 21-5420(a)): This is defined as knowingly taking property from the person or presence of another by force or by threat of bodily harm. It is categorized as a Severity Level 5, person felony.
Aggravated Robbery (K.S.A. 21-5420(b)): The charge is elevated to "aggravated" if the act is committed by a person who is armed with a dangerous weapon or who inflicts bodily harm upon any person during the robbery. This is a Severity Level 3, person felony.
The legal concept of "presence" in Kansas is broad. It does not require the property to be in the victim's hand; if the property was within the victim's control to the extent that they could have prevented the taking if not for the force or threat used, it qualifies as robbery. This distinction is what separates robbery from a standard theft charge, and it is a primary area where our firm focuses its defense.
How Our Firm Defends Robbery Cases in Topeka
Once you understand the nature of the charge, the next question is how your attorney will approach your defense. When you work with us, we start by listening to your side of the story. We review the complaint or information, police reports, and any available video, statements, or other evidence before we begin talking with you about options.
In many robbery cases, the details matter. A robbery criminal defense lawyer Topeka defendants hire may look closely at issues like how you were identified, whether witnesses were influenced, and whether any statements were taken in violation of your rights. We also examine how law enforcement collected evidence and whether any search or seizure can be challenged in court.
Robbery accusations sometimes involve multiple people or complicated situations. Our attorneys consider whether the facts might support a different charge, whether the State can actually prove the level of force or threat alleged, and what the evidence really shows about your role. We work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and to develop a strategy that fits your goals, whether that means preparing for trial or exploring negotiated resolutions.
Throughout this process, our focus is on communication. We explain likely stages, such as preliminary hearings and motion practice, in plain language. We talk with you about risks, possible outcomes, and what different choices might mean. Each of our attorneys concentrates on one or two core practice areas, including criminal defense, so our robbery criminal defense in Topeka commits their time to this type of work.
Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Robbery in Kansas
Because robbery is a "person felony," Kansas uses a specific sentencing grid that weighs the severity of the crime against your criminal history. A robbery criminal defense lawyer in Topeka from our team will fight to keep you from falling into the "presumptive imprisonment" boxes on that grid.
Direct Sentencing
Severity Level 3 (Aggravated Robbery): Even with no prior record, the presumptive sentence starts at 55 to 61 months in prison. For those with extensive records, the sentence can exceed 20 years.
Severity Level 5 (Robbery): A first-time offender faces a presumptive sentence of 31 to 34 months in prison.
Fines: Convictions can result in fines reaching up to $300,000.
Collateral Consequences
Violent Offender Registration: Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may require you to register as a violent offender under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.
Loss of Rights: You will permanently lose your right to possess a firearm and your right to vote until your sentence (including parole) is fully completed.
Employment Barriers: A "person felony" on a background check is a major red flag for employers, often disqualifying you from jobs in healthcare, education, or government.
Immigration Status: For non-citizens, robbery is considered an "aggravated felony" and a "crime involving moral turpitude," which almost certainly triggers mandatory deportation.
Why People Choose Addair Law
During a robbery case, the attorney you choose will be standing beside you in a Kansas district courtroom and advising you on life-changing decisions. Many of our clients come to us because they want strong advocacy and clear guidance, but they also want to be treated like a person, not a file.
At Addair Law, our attorneys concentrate their work on one or two core areas, including criminal defense. This focused approach helps us stay current on Kansas criminal law and on how robbery and aggravated robbery cases are handled in district courts such as the one in Topeka. When you work with us, you speak with a team that handles criminal matters regularly and understands how prosecutors and judges in this region tend to approach these charges.
We have provided personalized representation since 2005, serving clients across central and northeastern Kansas. That history has allowed us to build familiarity with local court procedures and to see how different strategies play out over time. For someone deciding which robbery lawyer in Topeka or the surrounding communities to work with, this regional experience can be an important factor.
Accessibility is another reason people choose our firm. We offer bilingual services in English and Spanish, which can make a difficult situation less stressful for Spanish speaking clients and families. We also offer secure virtual consultations, which help clients who are managing work schedules, childcare, or travel from outside Topeka or Manhattan.
Talk With Our Robbery Attorney in Topeka
If you or someone you care about is facing a robbery charge connected to Topeka or another Kansas community, you do not have to navigate the system alone. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand the allegations, the possible outcomes, and the choices you have at each stage.
When you contact Addair Law, you reach a firm that focuses on a small number of practice areas, including criminal defense, and that has been serving central and northeastern Kansas since 2005. We offer confidential consultations, bilingual support, and flexible meeting options so you can get answers in a way that works for you.
If you are looking for a robbery criminal attorney in Topeka, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your case. Call (785) 645-2732 or reach out online to speak with our team today.
“Mr. Brackman and the Addair Law team provided expert, compassionate representation, ensuring justice and peace of mind. Highly recommended for outstanding legal service.”
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“Addair Law handled my case with compassion and dedication, delivering the best outcome possible. Special thanks to Bella Hager for her tireless support!”
Built on Integrity, Commitment, and Client-Centered Care
What Sets Addair Law Apart?
Bilingual Representation
We provide legal services in both English and Spanish to ensure clear communication and personalized guidance for every client.
Convenient Virtual Consultations
Access legal support from the comfort of your home with secure virtual consultations, tailored to fit your schedule.
Client-Centered Solutions
Our approach prioritizes your needs and goals, with strategies designed to achieve the best outcomes for your unique situation.
Trusted Local Expertise
With a deep understanding of the law and our community, we’re committed to protecting your rights and advocating for you every step of the way.
What To Do After A Robbery Arrest in Topeka
When an arrest happens, you may feel pressure to talk or to act quickly without a plan. Taking a few careful steps can protect your rights while you decide how to move forward. These steps are important whether you are the person charged or a family member trying to help.
Anything you say can be used in court, including conversations with officers, written statements, and recorded jail calls. It is generally safer to exercise your right to remain silent until you have spoken with an attorney. You can provide basic identifying information, but you do not have to explain what happened or try to talk your way out of the charge.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on a robbery charge, some helpful steps include:
Ask for an attorney and avoid discussing the facts of the case with law enforcement or other inmates.
Do not post about the incident on social media or send detailed messages that could be saved.
Keep track of hearing notices, bond paperwork, and any documents from the jail or the Shawnee County District Court.
Write down names and contact information for possible witnesses who may help explain what happened.
Contact a robbery criminal lawyer Topeka defendants can reach promptly, so you receive guidance before key decisions are made.
When you reach out to us, we talk through what has already happened, what deadlines are approaching, and what information we need from you first. Our attorneys work to guide clients through each stage of the case, from first appearance through whatever resolution is possible under the facts and the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What penalties could I face for robbery in Kansas?
Robbery and aggravated robbery are felonies under Kansas law, and they can carry significant prison time. Exact penalties depend on the specific charge, the Kansas sentencing grid, and your criminal history. Collateral effects, such as employment and immigration issues, can also be serious, so it is important to discuss your situation with counsel.
Do I need a lawyer based in Topeka for my case?
Your robbery case from Topeka is typically heard in the Shawnee County District Court, but your attorney does not have to be based in that city. Our firm is located in Manhattan and regularly represents clients across central and northeastern Kansas, including people whose cases are tied to Topeka.
What will happen at my first court appearance?
At a first appearance, the court typically tells you what you are charged with, addresses bond, and explains your rights. In many cases, you will say little beyond confirming basic information. We work to prepare clients for this hearing and to stand with them when they appear in court.
How soon should I contact a robbery defense lawyer?
It is generally wise to contact a robbery defense attorney Topeka defendants can work with as early as possible. Early advice can affect what you say to law enforcement, how bond is addressed, and how evidence is preserved. Reaching out promptly gives your attorney more opportunity to protect your interests.
Can your firm help if I or my family speak Spanish?
Yes. Our team offers bilingual representation in English and Spanish. This allows Spanish speaking clients and family members to ask questions directly and understand what is happening in the case. Clear communication is central to our approach, and we work to make that communication accessible.
