Robbery Attorney In Irving

Serious Felony Charges Need Calm, Focused Defense

If you or someone you love has been accused of robbery or aggravated robbery after an incident in or around Irving, you are facing one of the most serious types of felony charges under Texas law. A conviction can mean years in prison, a permanent record, and lasting consequences for your job, family, and future. In the middle of that fear and confusion, you need clear information and a robbery attorney Irving who will take the time to understand your situation.

My name is Erin Kelley, and through Kelley Legal I represent people who are dealing with criminal charges that can change the course of their lives. I intentionally keep a lower caseload so I can give serious cases like robbery the focused attention they require. When you call my office, my goal is to listen first, explain your options in plain language, and help you decide what to do next, not rush you through a system you do not understand. I meet with clients and families in English or Spanish, and I work in an environment that keeps me mindful of how criminal cases can affect immigration status. If you are trying to make sense of what a robbery charge means, you do not have to do that alone. You can contact my office to talk about what has happened and what your next steps can be.

Contact Kelley Legal today for a free consultation to discuss your defense. 

Facing A Robbery Charge In The Irving Area

By the time you find this page, you or a loved one may already be in jail after an arrest that began in Irving. You might be out on bond and holding paperwork you do not understand, or you may have heard about a warrant and are trying to figure out what that means. No matter which situation brought you here, the stakes are high, and the pressure to make fast decisions can feel overwhelming.

Under Texas law, robbery is generally charged when prosecutors believe that someone committed a theft and, in the process, caused bodily injury or threatened someone with harm. Aggravated robbery is usually filed when there are additional allegations, such as serious bodily injury, use of a deadly weapon, or a complainant who is considered especially vulnerable. These charges are treated as violent offenses, and they often receive close attention from prosecutors and the courts that serve this area. When an incident happens in or around Irving, the case usually moves into the Dallas County criminal courts in Dallas. That can mean multiple settings, strict bond conditions, and unfamiliar terms. Early representation can help you avoid missteps, start protecting your rights, and begin to understand what the path ahead may look like.

How I Approach Robbery Criminal Defense In This Area

When someone trusts me with a robbery case, I begin by listening to their story and reviewing the paperwork they received after the arrest. I want to understand not just what the police report says, but also how this situation affects their family, work, and long term plans. My approach to robbery criminal defense Irving is personal and deliberate, because there is no one size fits all strategy for charges this serious.

I keep my caseload intentionally small so I can invest the time needed in cases like these. That time goes into reviewing discovery, analyzing how the state is building its case, identifying weaknesses, and preparing for hearings or trial. It also goes into communication with you, so you know what is happening and what decisions are coming, instead of being surprised at court.

Clients work directly with me. Your file is not passed from lawyer to lawyer, and you are not left to get updates only from staff. I meet with clients and families in person when possible, and I am available to discuss the case by phone or video if that is easier. For Spanish speaking clients, we can speak directly in Spanish, which helps avoid confusion and allows you to ask questions in the language that feels most natural to you.

What To Do After A Robbery Arrest Or Charge

What you do in the hours and days after an arrest for robbery or aggravated robbery can affect your case. It is common to feel like you should explain yourself to police or try to fix misunderstandings, but doing that without legal guidance can create serious problems later. You have the right to remain silent and the right to talk with a lawyer before answering questions.

If you are in custody, you can clearly state that you are choosing to remain silent and that you want an attorney. If you are out on bond, you can decline to discuss the incident with detectives or other officers until you have spoken with counsel. Talking casually with friends, family, or on social media about the case can also create evidence that prosecutors may try to use against you.

Helpful steps you and your family can take after a robbery arrest or charge include:

• Writing down what you remember about the incident, including dates, times, locations, and names of people who were present.
• Keeping all paperwork from the jail, magistrate, and court in one place, including bond conditions and upcoming court dates.
• Asking family members to gather any messages, photos, or other information that might be important and to store them safely.
• Avoiding any effort to contact the alleged victim or witnesses on your own, which can be misinterpreted or violate conditions.
• Contacting a robbery defense attorney Irving as early as possible so you have guidance before key decisions and hearings.

When I speak with new clients, we go over what has already happened and what is coming next. The goal is to reduce some of the fear of the unknown and begin building a plan that fits your circumstances.

Possible Penalties & Consequences Of A Robbery Conviction

Robbery related charges carry some of the harshest penalties in the Texas Penal Code. A standard robbery charge is often treated as a second degree felony, and aggravated robbery is often treated as a first degree felony. Depending on the specific charge and your history, the range of punishment can involve many years in prison and significant fines, along with strict conditions if any form of community supervision is available.

The legal sentence is only part of the picture. A felony robbery conviction creates a permanent criminal record that employers, landlords, and licensing boards may see. That record can affect your ability to find or keep work, secure housing, or obtain certain professional licenses. It may also influence other legal matters, such as family law cases that consider criminal history when making decisions.

For clients who are not United States citizens, the stakes are often even higher. Certain convictions related to robbery or aggravated robbery can place someone at risk of deportation, detention, or denial of future immigration benefits. I work in an office that includes immigration attorneys, and that environment keeps me aware that a plea agreement in criminal court might carry hidden immigration risks.

When I counsel clients on possible resolutions, I look not only at the immediate criminal sentence but also at how different outcomes might affect employment, housing, and immigration. I cannot control every factor in a case, but I can help you understand the potential consequences of each option so you are not agreeing to something without knowing what it really means.

Building A Strong Defense In Your Robbery Case

No two robbery cases are the same, and a strong defense starts with a careful review of the specific facts. In some situations, identification may be a major issue, for example if the accusation is based on a quick encounter or poor quality video. In others, there may be disputes about what actually happened, whether a threat was made, or whether there was any intent to commit a theft at all.

Police reports and charging documents rarely tell the whole story. Part of my work as a robbery criminal defense lawyer Irving is to examine the state’s evidence, including reports, recordings, and any forensic information that has been gathered. I pay attention to how evidence was obtained, whether procedures were followed, and whether there may be grounds to challenge part of the state’s case.

Many robbery cases involve negotiations with prosecutors, and those discussions can be influenced by the strength of the evidence, your criminal history, and other factors. In some situations, filing motions or preparing for trial may be necessary to protect your rights or to seek a better outcome. I discuss these options with you in detail, using plain language instead of legal jargon, so you can make informed choices about plea offers, contested hearings, or a trial.

Throughout this process, the fact that I keep a lower caseload means I can devote attention to preparing you for court, explaining what to expect, and answering your questions. My goal is that you never feel like just a case number and that you always understand why we are taking a particular step in your defense.

Robbery Cases In Local Courts & Why A Local Lawyer Matters

Robbery and aggravated robbery charges that arise from incidents in Irving are typically filed in the Dallas County criminal district courts in Dallas. That means your case will usually move through courthouses that handle a high volume of felony matters, each with its own schedule and procedures. Understanding how these courts operate can help reduce surprises and make the process a little easier to navigate.

Court settings in Dallas County commonly involve announcements, plea discussions, and scheduling decisions that may not be obvious to someone going through this for the first time. Part of my role is to explain what each setting is for and what you can expect on that day. I attend hearings with you, and I encourage clients to ask questions so they understand what is happening in their case rather than simply standing in front of a judge without context.

Because my practice serves people from Irving and the surrounding area, I am familiar with the basic flow of cases from arrest to indictment and beyond in these courts. That familiarity does not guarantee a particular outcome, but it can help with planning, communication, and realistic expectations. It also means I am close enough to meet with clients and families in person to discuss developments and prepare for important court dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens At My First Court Date On A Robbery Charge?

The first court date in a robbery case usually focuses on making sure you are represented and that the court has basic information about your situation. In many Dallas County courts, that setting does not involve witnesses or a trial, but it can involve discussions about bond conditions, scheduling, and how discovery will be exchanged. I meet with clients ahead of time to explain where to go, what to wear, and what questions the judge may ask. During the setting, I speak on your behalf and help you understand any decisions that are made. Afterward, we talk about the next steps and any dates that have been set so there are no surprises.

Should I Talk To The Police About The Robbery Investigation?

In most cases, it is safer not to talk with police or detectives about a robbery investigation without first speaking with a lawyer. Even statements that you believe are helpful or innocent can be misunderstood or taken out of context. You have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to request an attorney before answering questions. When clients contact me during an investigation or soon after an arrest, we discuss whether any communication with law enforcement makes sense and, if so, how to handle it carefully. My goal is to protect your rights and to help you avoid making statements that could later harm your defense.

How Can A Robbery Conviction Affect My Immigration Status?

A robbery related conviction can create serious immigration concerns for people who are not United States citizens. Depending on the specific charge, the sentence, and your current immigration status, certain offenses may be considered grounds for removal, detention, or denial of future applications. Because I work in an office that includes immigration attorneys, I am regularly reminded that criminal pleas can have consequences far beyond the courtroom. I do not make promises about specific immigration outcomes, but I do encourage clients to tell me about their status so we can consider those risks when evaluating options. When it is appropriate, I work to avoid plea agreements that carry obvious immigration dangers, and I may suggest that clients seek separate immigration advice.

Will I Work Directly With You On My Robbery Case?

Yes. When you hire Kelley Legal for a robbery or aggravated robbery charge, you work directly with me, Erin Kelley. I do this work as a solo criminal defense attorney, which means your case is not handed off to a rotating group of lawyers. I meet with you to review discovery, prepare for court, and discuss strategy. I also stay in communication so you know about upcoming dates and important decisions. This one on one structure allows me to build a working relationship with you and to tailor my advice to your specific situation.

Can We Speak About My Case In Spanish?

Yes, I can discuss your case in Spanish. Many of my clients and their families feel more comfortable talking about sensitive topics in Spanish, especially when they are under stress. Because we can speak directly without a translator, there is less chance of misunderstanding and you can ask the questions that matter most to you. I provide written information when possible and make sure you understand the options and risks we are discussing. Clear communication is a priority in my practice, regardless of which language we are using.

What Are The Possible Penalties For Robbery & Aggravated Robbery?

In Texas, robbery is often charged as a second degree felony, which can involve a potential prison range that is measured in years and a possible fine. Aggravated robbery is typically treated as a first degree felony, which carries an even higher range of possible prison time. The specific punishment you could face depends on many factors, including the exact charge, the facts that prosecutors believe they can prove, and your prior criminal history. When we talk about your case, I explain the general penalty ranges and how they may apply to your situation. Understanding this helps you weigh your options when deciding how to proceed.

How Do I Get Started If My Loved One Is In Jail On A Robbery Charge?

If a family member is in jail after an arrest for robbery or aggravated robbery, a good first step is to gather any paperwork they have received and any information from the jail about charges and bond. When you contact my office, we can talk about what you know so far and what questions you have. I explain how representation works, what I can review at the beginning, and what the next court dates might involve. In many situations, I can meet with the family to discuss options and then, when appropriate, meet with the person who is in custody. My goal is to give you a clearer picture of what is happening and what can be done, rather than leaving you to navigate the process alone.

Talk With A Robbery Lawyer About Your Case

If you are facing a robbery related charge that began in Irving, you do not have to try to understand the system by yourself. Talking with a robbery lawyer Irving can help you see the difference between worst case fears and the actual options that may be available in your situation. During a consultation, I review the information you have, answer questions about the process, and discuss how my approach to focused, personal criminal defense might fit your needs.

At Kelley Legal, my goal is to give you clear information, consistent communication, and a defense that reflects both the legal and personal stakes in your case. We can talk in English or Spanish, and I pay close attention to how any decision in criminal court might affect other parts of your life, including immigration status. Taking the step to speak with an attorney can be difficult, but it can also be the first move toward regaining some control over what happens next.

To talk with me about your robbery case and your options, call (469) 564-3420.