Over 10,000 Criminal Cases Handled in the Denver Area

Defense Against Robbery and Aggravated Robbery Charges

Robbery is one of the most aggressively prosecuted violent crimes in Colorado. Because it involves both theft and the threat or use of force against another person, prosecutors routinely seek the maximum available penalties — and many robbery convictions carry mandatory incarceration as crimes of violence under CRS 18-1.3-406. If you or someone you know is facing robbery charges in Denver, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, Adams County, or Douglas County, the stakes are high from the moment of arrest.

At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., our attorneys have handled robbery cases at every level of severity — from first-time misdemeanor-level theft allegations to multi-count aggravated robbery charges involving weapons. We know how prosecutors build these cases, and we know where to find the weaknesses.

What Are the Differences Between Simple Robbery and Aggravated Robbery in Colorado?

Colorado law draws a clear distinction between robbery and aggravated robbery, and the difference in penalties is significant.

Simple Robbery (CRS 18-4-301) — Class 4 Felony: Robbery occurs when a person knowingly takes something of value from another person by the use of force, threats, or intimidation. No weapon is required. A Class 4 felony conviction carries a presumptive range of 2 to 6 years in the Department of Corrections, with a mandatory parole period of 3 years.

Aggravated Robbery (CRS 18-4-302) — Class 3 Felony: Aggravated robbery applies when the robbery involves a deadly weapon — or when the accused represents that they have a weapon — or when they knowingly wound or strike a victim. A Class 3 felony conviction, as a crime of violence, carries a mandatory prison sentence of 10 to 32 years. There is no probation available for aggravated robbery convictions classified as crimes of violence.

Robbery of an At-Risk Adult or Person (CRS 18-4-304) — Class 3 or 4 Felony: Colorado imposes enhanced penalties when the victim is an elderly or disabled person, recognizing the particular vulnerability of those populations.

Robbery charges often appear alongside other charges — assault, menacing, weapons possession, or conspiracy — which can further increase sentencing exposure. Our attorneys analyze every charge in the context of how they interact and what defenses apply to the case as a whole.

Defenses we pursue in robbery cases:

  • Identity and misidentification — eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable, and we challenge lineup procedures, photo array practices, and witness certainty
  • Insufficient force or threat — the prosecution must prove that the defendant used or threatened force, not merely that a theft occurred
  • Lack of the required mental state — robbery requires knowing conduct; mistake or absence of intent may negate the charge
  • Search and seizure challenges — if evidence was obtained through an unlawful stop or search, it may be suppressible
  • Alibi and third-party responsibility — where the evidence connecting the defendant to the crime is circumstantial

Take Control of Your Case. Contact Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C.

Robbery charges demand experienced defense counsel from the beginning. The prosecution will have had time to build their case before charges are filed, and any statements made to law enforcement without an attorney present can significantly damage your defense. The moment you become aware that you are under investigation — or after an arrest — is the time to call us.

At Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C., we offer free initial consultations, answer phones 24/7, and can meet you in jail if necessary. Call 303-825-1075 or contact us online today.

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Denver Criminal Defense Attorney & Founder, Shazam Kianpour & Associates, P.C. — Over 10,000 criminal and traffic cases handled across Colorado.