First Degree Robbery Lawyer Kansas City, MO
Hire the leading first degree robbery defense law firm in Kansas City, MO to protect your freedom, record, and future. Whether you have been charged or are under investigation, we can help.
TO COMBS WATERKOTTE,YOU ARE WHY WE EXIST.
First Degree Robbery Lawyer Kansas City, MO
If you’re facing a first degree robbery charge in Kansas City, a conviction can mean decades in prison. Missouri classifies the offense as a Class A felony, and a separate armed criminal action charge may add even more prison time. If you’ve been arrested or charged, hiring an attorney should be your first priority.
Combs Waterkotte’s Kansas City robbery defense lawyers are ready to defend you. We’ll investigate what was allegedly taken, how force was used, and whether injuries, weapons, or witness accounts support the charge. To start building your defense today, call (314) 900-HELP.
I owe my life to Combs Waterkotte. If not for them, I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars. There is no amount of words that can explain what they did for me and my family. Its the highest recommendation that I can give.
Alexander B.
Felonies
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If I could give Steve and his team 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. Was facing more then one felony charge and after these guys found the arresting officer violated my 4th Amendment Rights and those charges were dismissed. My family and I can't thank you enough.
Dean J
Felonies
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I was hands down guilty. ON VIDEO !!! In a smaller town, and a job dealing with the public, this was devastating. I made one phone call and spoke for maybe 15 minutes. I DIDN'T appear in court. I am extremely impressed. QUIETLY relieved of the matter!
Y.I.V.
Theft
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My fiance had a felony drug charge and Combs Waterkotte got it dismissed! There were no fines, court cost, nothing. Chris is loyal, professional, knowledgeable, and a man of his word. We are forever grateful for you.
Kimberly T.
Drug Crimes
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If I was found guilty, it would have been over 100 years in prison. They promised me that they would fight like hell and get me out of it. After everything was done, I just felt free. Like this wasn’t gonna end with me rotting away in a prison cell. I felt like I could start my life and have a fresh start.
Caleb
Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action
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I was facing, probably 18 years… I actually got 5 years probation and 40 hours of community service. Without Combs Waterkotte’s help, I don’t think my family could have made it without me. It was just a written book to where it's a perfect ending.
Chris
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action
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I went through what was supposed to be one of the top law firms in St. Louis. They said I wouldn't have no chance. I end up firing the other lawyer and everything and going with Chris. I felt like Combs Waterkotte actually did something for me and wasn't I wasn't just another number on somebody's desk.
Willy
DWI/DUI
Verify onI owe my life to Combs Waterkotte. If not for them, I would be spending the rest of my life behind bars. There is no amount of words that can explain what they did for me and my family. Its the highest recommendation that I can give.
Alexander B.
Felonies
If I could give Steve and his team 10 stars I would in a heartbeat. Was facing more then one felony charge and after these guys found the arresting officer violated my 4th Amendment Rights and those charges were dismissed. My family and I can't thank you enough.
Dean J
Felonies
I was hands down guilty. ON VIDEO !!! In a smaller town, and a job dealing with the public, this was devastating. I made one phone call and spoke for maybe 15 minutes. I DIDN'T appear in court. I am extremely impressed. QUIETLY relieved of the matter!
Y.I.V.
Theft
My fiance had a felony drug charge and Combs Waterkotte got it dismissed! There were no fines, court cost, nothing. Chris is loyal, professional, knowledgeable, and a man of his word. We are forever grateful for you.
Kimberly T.
Drug Crimes
If I was found guilty, it would have been over 100 years in prison. They promised me that they would fight like hell and get me out of it. After everything was done, I just felt free. Like this wasn’t gonna end with me rotting away in a prison cell. I felt like I could start my life and have a fresh start.
Caleb
Assault 1st, Armed Criminal Action
I was facing, probably 18 years… I actually got 5 years probation and 40 hours of community service. Without Combs Waterkotte’s help, I don’t think my family could have made it without me. It was just a written book to where it's a perfect ending.
Chris
Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Armed Criminal Action
I went through what was supposed to be one of the top law firms in St. Louis. They said I wouldn't have no chance. I end up firing the other lawyer and everything and going with Chris. I felt like Combs Waterkotte actually did something for me and wasn't I wasn't just another number on somebody's desk.
Willy
DWI/DUI
Kansas City, Missouri First Degree Robbery Charges Explained
Under Missouri law, robbery involves more than just taking property. The use of force, causing an injury, and weapon allegations can affect the charge you face, regardless of the property’s value. Even stealing something inexpensive can lead to a Class A felony if the facts meet the legal requirements.
A first degree robbery conviction can mean years in prison. Call (314) 900-HELP or contact Combs Waterkotte online to start building your defense with us.
Robbery, Stealing, and Burglary Compared
Ordinary Missouri theft charges focus on taking or keeping property with the intent to deprive its owner of that property. Robbery, on the other hand, requires force and an additional circumstance set out in the robbery statute.
Burglary involves unlawful entry or remaining in a place to commit a crime, even without taking property directly from a person. The table below outlines the major differences between common Missouri theft charges.
| Charge | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Stealing | Taking another’s property without consent or through deceit or coercion. Penalties depend on value and property type. |
| Burglary | Unlawfully entering somewhere with the intent to commit a crime. Taking something from a person is not required. |
| Second degree robbery | Forcibly stealing property and causing physical injury during the offense. Classified as a Class B felony. |
| First degree robbery | Forcible stealing plus a serious physical injury or the use of a weapon. Classified as a Class A felony. |
The difference between first and second degree robbery may depend on how serious an injury was, whether the offender used a weapon, or what a witness thought a gesture or threat meant.
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Missouri’s First Degree Robbery Statute Explained
RSMo §570.023 defines first degree robbery as forcible stealing with at least one of five additional circumstances. The circumstance can involve either you or another participant, so an accomplice’s actions can affect the charge you face.
What Does “Forcibly Steals” Mean?
RSMo §570.010 explains what it means to “forcibly steal.” Prosecutors must show that someone used physical force (or threatened the immediate use of physical force) to accomplish either of these things:
- Prevent or overcome resistance to taking property or keeping it
- Force the owner or another person to hand over property or help commit the theft
Missouri’s stealing statute requires intentionally taking or keeping another person’s property or services without consent or through deceit or coercion. This means prosecutors must connect the use of force to taking the property or keeping it immediately afterward.
Factors That Turn Forcible Stealing into First Degree Robbery
Prosecutors must also prove at least one of these five circumstances in a first degree robbery case:
- Serious physical injury: The conduct caused an injury involving a substantial risk of death, serious disfigurement, or long-term disability
- Armed with a deadly weapon: The accused (or another participant) had a firearm or another weapon that meets Missouri’s deadly weapon definition
- Dangerous instrument: A participant used (or threatened to use) an object or substance that could readily cause death or a serious physical injury
- Apparent weapon or instrument: A participant displayed or threatened to use what appeared to be a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument
- Controlled substance from a pharmacy: The forcible stealing involved any controlled substance taken from a pharmacy
Missouri law distinguishes physical injury from serious physical injury and deadly weapons from dangerous instruments. An ordinary household object can qualify as a dangerous instrument based on how it was used. A vague statement, however, may not establish an apparent weapon.
Defense Strategies for First Degree Robbery Charges in Kansas City
There isn’t one defense that fits every robbery case. At Combs Waterkotte, we examine who was involved, whether property was taken by force, and what supports the first degree charge. Depending on the evidence, we may use the following defense strategies to fight your charges.
Challenge Identification and Participation
A witness may have only seconds to see a robber, and when they do, it’s often under stress or in poor lighting. Masks and obstructed views also make identification harder. We compare descriptions, review how police presented photos or a suspect to witnesses, and check surveillance, phone, and location records to challenge witness identification.
Receipts, work records, videos, or other witnesses may support an alibi defense. When several people are accused of a robbery, we also ask whether you intentionally helped commit the offense. Simply being there or knowing someone who was involved doesn’t prove you participated.
Separate Force from the Alleged Theft
An argument can involve physical contact and missing property without amounting to robbery. The force may have had nothing to do with taking or keeping the property. We examine that connection and whether prosecutors can prove you intended to deprive the owner of their belonging(s).
Challenge the Basis for a First Degree Charge
Medical records may show an injury without establishing a serious physical injury. Video may also contradict a weapon claim. We examine what witnesses said, how far away they were, and what they could actually see. These details may support dismissal, a reduced charge, or an acquittal.
Suppress Unlawfully Obtained Evidence
Police must respect the Fourth Amendment when they stop you, enter your home, take your phone, or search your car. If they lacked legal grounds or went beyond what a warrant allowed, we can ask the court to exclude any evidence the police find.
We also review police questioning, Miranda warnings, and whether officers improperly influenced an identification. Losing key evidence can seriously weaken the prosecution’s case.
Possible Penalties for First Degree Robbery in Missouri
First degree robbery is always charged as a Class A felony. Under RSMo §558.011, the prison sentence is 10 to 30 years or life. The court may also order restitution for property loss, medical expenses, and other legally recoverable losses, plus court costs. Other factors can result in parole ineligibility and even additional prison time.
Dangerous-Felony Rules, Parole, and Probation
RSMo §556.061 classifies first degree robbery as a dangerous felony. Under the current minimum-prison-term provisions, a person convicted of a dangerous felony must serve 85% of their sentence before parole eligibility.
Whether probation is available depends on your case. Missouri prohibits probation, a suspended imposition or execution of sentence, and conditional release in certain dangerous felony cases. This includes offenses involving the use of a deadly weapon and cases involving certain prior convictions. Your lawyer needs to review both the basis for the robbery charge and your record before advising you about your sentencing options.
Armed Criminal Action Can Add More Prison Time
When prosecutors allege that a robbery was committed with a deadly weapon, they may add an armed criminal action charge. A first conviction carries 3 to 15 years, with a five-year minimum for unlawful firearm possession. You serve that sentence consecutively to the robbery sentence (or back to back).
Parole, probation, conditional release, and suspended sentences are all unavailable during the first three years of your incarceration. Repeat armed criminal action convictions raise these minimum penalties.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte for a Kansas City First Degree Robbery Case?
A first degree robbery case requires a thorough investigation and a defense team that is prepared for trial. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve handled more than 15,000 criminal cases, and our lawyers have over 100 years of combined criminal defense experience.
As a trial-ready criminal defense firm, we challenge weak evidence, negotiate for a fair resolution, and prepare to go before a jury when that’s best for you. We provide direct communication and honest advice, with an understanding of how these charges affect your life outside court.
No lawyer can guarantee how your case will turn out. But what we can promise is that through thorough preparation and a careful review of the evidence, we’ll put forth a committed effort to secure the best result the facts and law will allow.
How Combs Waterkotte Will Take On Your First Degree Robbery Charges
When you hire our firm, we get to work preserving evidence and protecting you from avoidable mistakes. Depending on your case, that work may include:
- Preserving the evidence: Obtain reports, dispatch logs, body cam and surveillance footage, medical records, warrants, and digital evidence
- Reconstructing what happened: Build a timeline, inspect the scene, locate cameras, interview witnesses, and compare their accounts with the evidence
- Examining each part of the charge: Review the alleged theft, intent to deprive, connection between force and theft, injuries, weapons, and each person’s role
- Challenging constitutional violations: File motions and argue at hearings to challenge unlawful searches, seizures, questioning, and identification procedures
- Preparing for negotiations or trial: Pursue dismissal or a reduced charge when supported, weigh any offer against a possible sentence, and prepare witnesses and exhibits for trial
Legal Video:
We’ll explain your bond conditions and what to expect at each court date. We also help you avoid contact or social media posts that could hurt your case. Getting us involved early gives us more time to preserve favorable evidence and respond to the prosecution’s allegations.
Contact a First Degree Robbery Lawyer in Kansas City Today
If police want to question you about a robbery, you need to speak with a lawyer before trying to explain what happened. You have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges, getting legal help now can protect your defense.
Contact Combs Waterkotte online today or call us at (314) 900-HELP for a confidential consultation about your first degree robbery case. We’ll listen to your account, explain the risks and next steps, and get to work on a defense focused on protecting your freedom and future.
Resources
For more information on criminal defense in Kansas City or anywhere else in Missouri, call the Combs Waterkotte criminal defense attorneys right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential consultation.
Missouri: Know Your Legal Rights When it Comes to Law Enforcement
Everything You Need to Know About Criminal Defense Cases in Missouri
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