Earlier this month, four criminal defendants pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a September 2011 armed robbery and shooting, which resulted in the injuring of an on duty police officer.The men pleaded guilty to various charges, which included:
- armed assault with intent to murder
- masked armed robbery
- assault & battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury
- larceny
- possession of a firearm while committing a felony
Two of the men additionally pleaded guilty to misleading a police investigation and being an accessory after the fact to masked armed robbery. The four defendants received sentences ranging from 7-8 years in state prison to 25-30 years in prison, all with probation following prison time.
They were additionally ordered to refrain from any contact with any witnesses or victims, and were ordered to pay restitution for the lost wages and medical expenses of the two police officers involved in the shooting.
There is a helpful chart regarding the various sentences that armed robbery carries, which can be found here. It also includes the various sentencing guidelines dependent upon prior criminal record.
Armed Robbery under Massachusetts Law
According to state law, armed robbery is punishable by any term of years up to life in prison. A masked robbery, which is defined as committed while an individual is, “masked or disguised or while having his features artificially distorted,” is punishable by at least 5 years in prison. Subsequent masked armed robbery charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The carrying out of an armed robbery while armed with a firearm, shotgun, rifle, machine gun or assault weapon also carries a 5 year minimum sentence for first time offenders, but the statute additionally specifies it is to be served in state prison. Additionally, a subsequent offense carries a 15 year minimum sentence in state prison.
Therefore, as you can see, with a potential sentence for any term of years up to life in prison, the hiring of an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney is key. The Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy is fully prepared to vigorously defend your armed robbery case in Massachusetts, and Attorney Murphy has the knowledge and skill to assert any available defenses. Attorney Patrick J. Murphy has been practicing criminal defense law in Massachusetts for 18 years, and has the tactical skills and courtroom know-how to construct the most aggressive defense for your armed robbery case.
If you have been accused of or charged with armed robbery or any other crime, you will want to ensure that you have an aggressive, knowledgeable, and experienced Boston defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, Esq. today in order to schedule a free and confidential legal consultation. You can contact us through our website, or by calling 617-367-0450.
More Blog Posts:
How to Possibly Avoid Jail Time by Participating in Pretrial Diversion, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published May 8, 2013
Supreme Court Refuses to Establish Per Se Rule in DUI Cases, Warrants Required For Blood Tests, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published May 2, 2013