Will a first offense for armed robbery get jail time or house arrest?

Question

My friend was arrested for armed robbery. This is his first time ever being arrested. He is 17 years old.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

It is likely that he will receive some time in jail.  How much would be determined after application of the Michigan Sentencing Guidelines.

Larry Dunn · Answer

A person 17 years old can be charged as a juvenile or certified as an adult   due to the violent nature of the crime. A juvenile may be treated more  leniently  than an adult. However, the use of a firearm is an aggravated factor  which would  make it very likely that a judge will impose jail or  imprisonment. Most  judges believe in the axiom, "use a gun, go to prison".

James Osak · Answer

It depends. Armed robbery is SERIOUS stuff. Do you have a criminal record? Are you credible?

Dennis Roberts · Answer

Jail time.

Jared Winter · Answer

Depends on the county and the facts of the case.  Consult with a criminal defense attorney in your area to get a more accurate opinion.

Gregory Casale · Answer

It depends on the facts, but armed robbery usually leads to jail time, even for a 1st offense.

Jason Savela · Answer

Aggravated robbery is a crime of violence and carries a mandatory 10 years in prison  BF needs to say nothing about the facts to anyone other than his attorney - all jail calls are recorded and will be used against him - do not let him talk. Get an attorney ASAP - public defenders are better than many attorneys but a good private attorney is best.

Mark R. Thiessen · Answer

Depends on the Judge, the DA, the county, the facts and most importantly your lawyer.  I don't even know if that court will allow house arrest.  Better hire the best lawyer you can afford.

Steven Alpers · Answer

Most likely Department of Juvenile Justice or some other out of home placement.? He could be tried as an adult and sent to prison depending on his family situation and prior history.

Stephen Richards · Answer

In Illinois, armed robbery carries a minimum of six years imprisonment up to 30 years and a minimum of 21 years if a gun is involved. You need to get a lawyer.

James Edward Smith · Answer

A conviction for armed robbery is a non-probationable felony so a mandatory prison sentence is involved.

Terry Nelson · Answer

The honest answer is that no attorney can predict the outcome, nor even give an intelligent opinion, without reviewing and knowing all the charges, evidence, police reports, expected testimony, priors history, etc.    

The charges actually filed by the DA will determine how much time and other penalties could potentially be imposed.  

You'll learn the actual charge[s] and any enhancements filed and get copies of all the police reports and prosecutors evidence when appearing for arraignment at the first court hearing.  

In California, if convicted of any felony, like armed robbery, you potentially face several or more years in prison, not house arrest.

John Patrick Yetter · Answer

Armed robbery sentences depend in great part on the type of weapon used. Some are non-probationable, with minimum sentences from 6 years to 21 years depending on the facts.  Some are not.

Gary Russell · Answer

That depends upon the judge and the sentencing guidelines.  However, typically first time offenders do not receive jail time.  Since your friend is being charged with a serious felony, one involving a weapon, which could lead to a separate charge of felony firearm (which carries a mandatory 2 year sentence), he should obtain counsel.

Jeffrey Pollock · Answer

Perhaps only restitution and probation if you get a good attorney.

Timothy Byrne · Answer

Jail time in the overwhelming majority of jurisdictions.

Robert De Groot · Answer

Yes. Armed robbery is a very serious crime and the punishment can be sever. Your friend needs to hire a private attorney in order to try to keep his freedom.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

Armed Robbery is MANDATORY PRISON. There is no jail or house arrest or probation. The person that is convicted of it MUST go to prison. Your friend needs a good attorney.

Mark Smith · Answer

Jail time.

Harley Gutin · Answer

Prison time if treated as an adult. If a youthful exception rule applies he may get jail or house arrest. On a Armed Robbery charge for a youthful offender it is possible to get probation but not likely.

Michael Morgan · Answer

There is no way to predict any outcome based on the limited information submitted but if this is a strong Robbery 1 case with a firearm there is a strong chance there will be a term of confinement if a guilty finding is entered.

Eric Sterkenburg · Answer

For armed robbery a seventeen year old would be charged as an adult. If convicted he will go to county jail or state prison. He needs an attorney now!

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

If your friend is convicted of armed robbery, he will do jail (probably prison) time.  The fact that he was armed during the commission of the crime does not bode well for him.  That is what is called an "aggravating factor" which results  in an increased sentence.   The fact that he is 17 (minor) is irrelevant, as he will in all likelihood be charged as an adult.   My advice:  Get and attorney!

Nathaniel Shafer · Answer

It is impossible to say what the court and the prosecutor will do. It certainly could get jail time, especially if a deadly weapon was involved, but not necessarily. For the best results, hire a talented defense attorney immediately.

Leonard A. Kaanta · Answer

I don't know, it is up to the probation officer and the judge.

Michael Dungan · Answer

If convicted of armed robbery, there is a 99% chance the individual will go to prison, not jail, not house arrest.

Arthur Aiken · Answer

In South Carolina, armed robbery carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years of which the offender must serve 85%. Othe sentencing options will be available only if the charge is reduced.

Joseph Redding · Answer

Armed robbery is a serious felony offense.  However, each sentence is specifically tailored for each individual defendant.  The court will look at the defendant's character, the seriousness of this offense, and the need to protect the public from this individual.  Depending on those factors depends on if he/she goes to prison, jail, house arrest, or probation.

Randall England · Answer

A conviction for armed robbery will almost certainly result in prison time. It's a class A felony, 10 years to life and serve 85%. Add on some more years for the likely armed criminal action charge. I have never seen a judge give an armed robber probation, even if it was a first offense.

Jeff Yeh · Answer

Your friend, who is likely to be prosecuted as an adult, better hire a darn good lawyer, because he is looking at otherwise a long stint in prison.

Jennifer Leigh Gottschalk · Answer

He is a juvenile.  Unless he is waived up to adult court, he faces prosecution in the juvenile court.  The state might recommend time in the county detention center, or Jamesburg, which is the State youth facility.  The juvenile judge will consider the boy's background and then determine what is best for both him and society.  If the judge determines that he poses a threat, he may end up in the county detention facility or Jamesburg.

Ernest Lee · Answer

Friend:  It depends on the facts. He may be acquitted, (found not guilty), or the case may be dismissed, with the right legal representation.  However, on the other end of the spectrum, it is possible for this person, as young as he is, to get jail time. The nature of the robbery is what will be determinative on whether he  gets time of not.

Austin Hirschhorn · Answer

Sentencing is dependent not only on the history of the defendant, but on the facts of the case, the sentencing guidelines, the severity of the crime, and the judge involved.  It is impossible to predict what will happen in a serious charge like armed robbery for which the punishment is imprisonment for life or for any term of years.

Stuart Nachbar · Answer

Probably Jail time.  Get an attorney, and plead down to something lower so maybe he can get PTI.

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Will a first offense for armed robbery get jail time or house arrest?

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