Robbery lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. Being accused of robbery in St. Louis is a life-changing event. Unlike many property crimes, robbery is considered a violent offense, meaning prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively and courts often impose severe penalties upon conviction. Even before your case reaches trial, a robbery allegation can affect your employment, your reputation, your family, and your freedom.
At Combs Waterkotte, our St. Louis criminal defense attorneys understand what is at stake. With over 80 years of combined experience and more than 10,000 criminal cases handled throughout Missouri and Illinois, we know how prosecutors investigate robbery allegations, the evidence they rely on, and the defense strategies that can expose weaknesses in the State’s case.
Whether you’re under investigation or have already been charged in the St. Louis area, call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Understanding Missouri’s robbery laws is the first step toward protecting your future.
-
Protect Your Life
![Image]()
Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
Reach Out Now
-
Know Your Next Steps
![Image]()
Know Your Next Steps
Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
Stay Informed
-
Title
![Image]()
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
Get Started
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
Over 80 Years
Legal Videos
How to Get Out Of A Traffic Ticket in Missouri Court?
How to Get Out Of A Traffic Ticket in Missouri Court? Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte (Missouri's leading traffic defense firm) talks about options to get out of a traffic ticket in …
Do I Need A Lawyer To Contest A Ticket In Missouri?
Do I Need A Lawyer To Contest A Ticket In Missouri? Andrew Russek, and attorney with Combs Waterkotte, Missouri's leading traffic law firm, talks about the importance of working with an attorney to …
Do Traffic Tickets Go On My Driving Record In Missouri?
Do Traffic Tickets Go On My Driving Record In Missouri? Chris Combs, managing partner of Missouri's leading traffic defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses how traffic tickets end up on your …
Should I Fight A Traffic Ticket In Missouri?
Should I Fight A Traffic Ticket In Missouri? Chris Combs, lawyer with Missouri's leading traffic ticket law firm Combs Waterkotte, talks about how and when to fight a traffic ticket, and why you …
Should I Hire A Traffic Ticket Lawyer In Missouri?
Should I Hire A Traffic Ticket Lawyer In Missouri? Andrew Russek, a traffic attorney with Missouri's leading firm Combs Waterkotte, talks about the importance of hiring a traffic lawyer and the …
What Can I Expect at Traffic Court in Missouri?
What Can I Expect at Traffic Court in Missouri? Chris Combs, managing partner at Missouri's top traffic law firm Combs Waterkotte, talks about the different Missouri courts you can find yourself in …
How to Get Out Of A Traffic Ticket in Missouri Court?
How to Get Out Of A Traffic Ticket in Missouri Court? Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte (Missouri's leading traffic defense firm) talks about options to get out of a traffic ticket in …
Do I Need A Lawyer To Contest A Ticket In Missouri?
Do I Need A Lawyer To Contest A Ticket In Missouri? Andrew Russek, and attorney with Combs Waterkotte, Missouri's leading traffic law firm, talks about the importance of working with an attorney to …
Do Traffic Tickets Go On My Driving Record In Missouri?
Do Traffic Tickets Go On My Driving Record In Missouri? Chris Combs, managing partner of Missouri's leading traffic defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discusses how traffic tickets end up on your …
Should I Fight A Traffic Ticket In Missouri?
Should I Fight A Traffic Ticket In Missouri? Chris Combs, lawyer with Missouri's leading traffic ticket law firm Combs Waterkotte, talks about how and when to fight a traffic ticket, and why you …
Should I Hire A Traffic Ticket Lawyer In Missouri?
Should I Hire A Traffic Ticket Lawyer In Missouri? Andrew Russek, a traffic attorney with Missouri's leading firm Combs Waterkotte, talks about the importance of hiring a traffic lawyer and the …
What Can I Expect at Traffic Court in Missouri?
What Can I Expect at Traffic Court in Missouri? Chris Combs, managing partner at Missouri's top traffic law firm Combs Waterkotte, talks about the different Missouri courts you can find yourself in …
What You’ll Learn on This Page
On this page, you’ll learn:
- How Missouri law defines robbery and the differences between first-degree and second-degree robbery charges
- The distinctions between robbery, burglary, and theft—and why those differences can significantly impact your case
- How St. Louis-area prosecutors investigate robbery allegations and the types of evidence commonly used to pursue convictions
- The most effective defense strategies, including mistaken identity, lack of force, insufficient evidence, constitutional violations, duress, and false allegations
- The potential penalties and long-term consequences of a robbery conviction, including imprisonment, a permanent felony record, and collateral impacts on employment, housing, and firearm rights
- What to expect after a robbery arrest, when charges may be reduced, and when a robbery case may be prosecuted in federal court
- Why contacting a skilled St. Louis robbery lawyer as early as possible can help protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and strengthen your defense
What Is Robbery Under Missouri Law?
Many people use the terms robbery and theft interchangeably, but Missouri law treats them very differently. The key distinction is force.
Theft generally involves taking someone else’s property without permission, like shoplifting or pickpocketing. Robbery occurs when property is taken through the use of force, violence, or the threat of immediate physical harm, such as mugging someone on the street or holding up a convenience store.
Because robbery places another person in danger, Missouri classifies it as a violent felony with substantially harsher penalties than ordinary stealing offenses.
Examples of robbery allegations commonly seen in the St. Louis area include:
- Gas station robberies
- Bank robberies
- Convenience store robberies
- Carjackings
- Purse snatching involving force
- Home invasions
- Drug-related robberies
- Taking property while displaying a weapon
- Assaulting someone during the commission of a theft
In many cases, prosecutors charge robbery even when little or no property was actually taken if they believe force or intimidation was used during the incident.
Types of Robbery Charges in St. Louis
Under Missouri law, robbery is classified into different degrees, depending on the circumstances of the particular offense, including:
First-Degree Robbery in Missouri
Under Missouri Revised Statute § 570.023, first-degree robbery is the most serious robbery offense.
Generally, prosecutors allege first-degree robbery when someone forcibly steals property and one or more aggravating circumstances are present.
These may include allegations that the defendant:
- Was armed with a deadly weapon
- Displayed or threatened to use a dangerous instrument
- Caused serious physical injury
- Threatened immediate serious injury
- Was aided by another participant under certain circumstances
Many first-degree robbery prosecutions involve firearms, knives, or allegations that victims believed a weapon was present. Charged as a Class A felony, a conviction can result in decades in prison, particularly when weapons or injuries are involved.
Second-Degree Robbery in Missouri
Second-degree robbery, governed by RSMo § 570.025, still involves forcibly stealing property but without the aggravating factors required for first-degree robbery.
These cases frequently arise from situations involving:
- Physical struggles during shoplifting incidents
- Purse snatching involving minimal force
- Street altercations
- Fights involving stolen property
- Confrontations between acquaintances
Although second-degree robbery in St. Louis carries less severe penalties than first-degree robbery, it is a Class B felony that can have lifelong consequences.
Robbery vs. Burglary vs. Theft (Stealing): Why the Difference Matters in St. Louis
Many robbery cases begin as what appears to be a theft investigation. The distinction often comes down to a single question:
Was force or intimidation used?
For example:
- Quietly shoplifting merchandise may result in stealing charges.
- Pushing a store employee while attempting to leave may elevate the allegation to robbery.
- Taking property while threatening violence can transform a property crime into one of Missouri’s most serious violent felonies.
This distinction often becomes one of the most important issues in a criminal defense, and why contacting a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis robbery lawyer becomes paramount to your freedom and future.
| Offense | What Prosecutors Must Prove | Is Force Required? | Is Unlawful Entry Required? | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | Property was taken through force, violence, or the threat of immediate physical harm. | Yes | No | Carjacking, armed store robbery, purse snatching involving force, or taking property through threats of violence |
| Burglary | The defendant unlawfully entered or remained in a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside. | No | Yes | Breaking into a home to steal valuables, entering a closed business to commit vandalism, or unlawfully entering a structure with criminal intent |
| Theft or Stealing | Property was taken without permission and with the intent to deprive the owner of it. | No | No | Shoplifting, package theft, bicycle theft, or stealing money or property from an employer |
How Prosecutors Build St. Louis Robbery Cases
Robbery investigations often begin immediately after the alleged offense. Law enforcement agencies frequently devote significant resources to identifying suspects because robbery cases often involve public safety concerns.
Evidence prosecutors commonly rely upon includes:
Victim Statements
The alleged victim’s version of events often forms the foundation of the prosecution. However, victim testimony is not always accurate. Stress, fear, poor lighting, and the speed of an event can all affect memory and perception.
Eyewitness Identification
Witnesses may identify suspects through:
- Photo lineups
- Live lineups
- In-court identification
Research has consistently shown eyewitness identification can be unreliable, particularly when:
- A weapon was involved
- The event occurred quickly
- Lighting was poor
- The witness was under stress
Mistaken identity remains one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions nationwide.
Surveillance Video
Modern robbery investigations in the St. Louis area frequently involve:
- Business security cameras
- Traffic cameras
- Doorbell cameras
- ATM footage
- Cell phone video
While video evidence can be compelling, it doesn’t always clearly identify who was involved or provide the full context surrounding an incident.
Cell Phone Evidence
Investigators increasingly seek:
- GPS location data
- Cell tower records
- Text messages
- Call logs
- Social media activity
Digital evidence can become a major component of both state and federal robbery prosecutions.
DNA and Fingerprint Evidence
Physical evidence may include:
- DNA
- Fingerprints
- Clothing
- Weapons
- Recovered property
Our St. Louis robbery defense attorneys carefully examine whether evidence was properly collected, preserved, and tested.
Statements Made to Police
One of the strongest pieces of evidence prosecutors often rely upon is the defendant’s own statements. Many people believe they can “explain” what happened.
Unfortunately, even innocent explanations can later be interpreted as admissions. This is why exercising your constitutional right to remain silent is often one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Common Defenses to Robbery Charges in St. Louis
Every robbery case is different. An experienced St. Louis robbery defense attorney will carefully review every piece of evidence to determine which defense strategies are appropriate. You don’t have to prove anything. The State must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Here are some strategies our defense team uses often:
Mistaken Identity
Many robbery prosecutions depend heavily upon eyewitness testimony.
Our defense attorneys may challenge:
- Photo lineup procedures
- Witness reliability
- Lighting conditions
- Stress levels
- Identification accuracy
If investigators identified the wrong person, the entire case may fall apart.
Lack of Force
The prosecution must prove more than simply taking property. If force or intimidation cannot be established, prosecutors may struggle to prove robbery. Instead, the evidence may support a lesser offense such as stealing.
Illegal Searches and Seizures
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches.
Evidence obtained through any unlawful acts below may be subject to suppression:
- Traffic stops
- Vehicle searches
- Home searches
- Cell phone searches
- Search warrants
Without critical evidence, prosecutors sometimes cannot proceed.
Coercion or Duress
In some situations, an individual may participate in an alleged robbery only because they were threatened, intimidated, or coerced by someone else. If an individual reasonably believed they or another person would suffer immediate harm by refusing to participate, duress may be a viable defense. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegation, including the involvement of other parties, to determine whether coercion or intimidation played a role and how it may affect the prosecution’s case.
False Allegations
Unfortunately, not every accusation in the St. Louis area is truthful. False robbery allegations sometimes arise from:
- Personal disputes
- Domestic conflicts
- Financial disagreements
- Misunderstandings
- Attempts to avoid responsibility
The Combs Waterkotte robbery defense lawyers in St. Louis investigate the motives behind accusations just as carefully as the evidence itself.
Constitutional Violations
Your constitutional rights matter throughout every stage of a criminal investigation.
Potential violations may involve:
- Miranda issues
- Coerced confessions
- Due process violations
- Improper police questioning
- Prosecutorial misconduct
Identifying constitutional issues early can dramatically change the course of a case.
The Consequences of a Robbery Conviction in St. Louis
A robbery conviction affects far more than incarceration. Collateral consequences often include:
- Permanent felony record
- Difficulty finding employment
- Loss of professional licenses
- Housing challenges
- Firearm restrictions
- Immigration consequences
- Orders of protection and child custody or visitation issues
- Loss of educational opportunities
- Damage to personal reputation
These consequences can continue long after any prison sentence has ended.
What Should You Do If You’re Being Investigated for Robbery in St. Louis?
If investigators contact you, avoid trying to explain your side of the story without legal representation. Instead:
- Exercise your right to remain silent.
- Do not consent to searches without speaking to an attorney.
- Avoid discussing the investigation with friends or on social media.
- Preserve any evidence that may support your defense.
- Contact an experienced St. Louis robbery lawyer immediately.
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more opportunities there may be to protect your rights.
When Robbery Becomes a Federal Crime
Some robbery investigations move beyond Missouri courts. Federal charges may arise when allegations involve:
- Bank robbery
- Interstate commerce
- Federal property
- Hobbs Act robbery
- Multi-state criminal activity
Federal robbery prosecutions often involve mandatory sentencing guidelines and aggressive investigative agencies. Early legal representation from a federal defense attorney in Missouri is critical.
Why Hiring a St. Louis Robbery Lawyer Matters
Robbery prosecutions often move quickly. Evidence must be preserved. Witnesses should be interviewed. Surveillance footage can disappear. Defense strategies should begin long before trial.
At Combs Waterkotte, our criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis conduct independent investigations, challenge unlawfully obtained evidence, scrutinize forensic testing, negotiate aggressively with prosecutors, and prepare every case as though it may ultimately be decided before a jury.
Whether your case involves first-degree robbery, second-degree robbery, or related violent crime allegations, our goal remains the same: protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your future.
Speak With a Combs Waterkotte St. Louis Robbery Lawyer Today
A robbery accusation does not define your future, but how you respond can. If you have been arrested, charged, or believe you are under investigation for robbery in St. Louis or anywhere in Missouri, don’t wait for prosecutors to build their case before building your defense.
The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Combs Waterkotte have successfully defended thousands of clients facing serious felony charges in St. Louis and across Missouri. We understand what’s at stake, and we’re prepared to fight for the best possible outcome.
Call Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to speak with an experienced St. Louis robbery lawyer.
