What the law states
Section 97 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) states that:
(1) Whosoever, being armed with an offensive weapon, or instrument, or being in company with another person, robs, or assaults with intent to rob, any person, or stops any mail, or vehicle, railway train, or person conveying a mail, with intent to rob, or search the same, shall be liable to imprisonment for twenty years.
(2) Aggravated offence: A person is guilty of an offence under this subsection if the person commits an offence under subsection (1) when armed with a dangerous weapon. A person convicted of an offence under this subsection is liable to imprisonment for 25 years.
In order to be classified as committing an offence ‘in company’, there must be others present with you whilst you are committing the crime. They do not necessarily need to participate in the crime directly, however, if they have a mere persuasive effect upon you, despite the distance from the crime, the offence can still be considered as being committed ‘in company’.
Penalty
The maximum penalty if you are convicted of Armed Robbery in Company is 20 years imprisonment. If you are convicted for Aggravated Armed Robbery in Company, the maximum penalty available is 25 years imprisonment.
Defences to this charge
It may be possible for you to defend this charge. Some defences available to this offence include duress, necessity, intoxication and self-defence.
How can Prime Lawyers help you?
Our criminal lawyers are experienced in representing people who have been charged with armed robbery in company. We will advise you on your chances of successfully defending your matter and thus being found ‘not guilty’. If you are pleading guilty, we will represent you at court to help minimise the punishment you receive.
If the Police’s case is weak against you, it may be possible to write to them and have them withdraw the charges against you. There are severe imprisonment terms which can be ordered by the Court and thus it is important that you seek advice from a criminal lawyer. We will fight vigorously to protect your rights.