When people are charged with a more serious crime, especially one that may involve violence, they may not realize what they’re up against. If they’re found guilty, punishment from the criminal justice system can range from probation to significant time in prison. Furthermore, they often have difficulty gaining employment once their sentence has been fulfilled. Serious charges, such as the ones three people here in Alaska are facing for robbery, can drastically alter a person’s life.
Police say some recent robberies happened in two different stores in two different areas within approximately an hour of one another. Anchorage police launched a joint investigation with state troopers and the FBI. They determined that two men and a juvenile may have been responsible. What’s more, they think the same suspects committed numerous robberies in the area in the last few weeks.
One adult was apprehended after a traffic stop and the other was taken into custody the following day. Police say the juvenile turned himself in the day after that. The two men have been charged with first-degree robbery and third-degree assault. One of them has also been charged with third-degree theft. More charges may follow if police allege the three were involved in the other robberies.
It can be easy for the public to write off someone who commits a violent crime, but the fact is that the judicial system in this country is set up to give all defendants their day in court. Everyone is presumed innocent until, and only if, proven guilty in court and beyond a reasonable doubt. Still, the potential consequences of serious charges like robbery necessitate a strong criminal defense strategy. Those here in Alaska dealing with this kind of situation may want to work with an attorney who can give them the best chance at fair treatment by the court.
