Robbery Lawyer New York, NY
You were walking through Times Square when someone shoved you and grabbed your bag. Or you were in a dispute at a Midtown bar that escalated, and now detectives are calling it a robbery. Suddenly you’re facing a violent-felony charge that can reshape your future. In New York County, robbery is not a simple theft — it is a forcible-stealing offense prosecuted actively by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. A conviction can lead to a multiyear state prison sentence, a permanent felony record, and a cascade of collateral consequences. You need counsel who understands both the law and the courtroom culture at 60 Centre Street. Mr. Sris, former prosecutor and Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys serve clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and throughout the New York City metropolitan area. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your robbery charge. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Robbery Means in New York, NY
Under the New York Penal Law, robbery is a forcible larceny — a theft committed by the use or threatened immediate use of physical force. It is always a felony. The degree of the charge depends on specific aggravating factors: whether a dangerous weapon was displayed, whether an accomplice was present, whether a victim suffered injury, or whether a motor vehicle was taken. New York County prosecutors file robbery charges in the Supreme Court, Criminal Term, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office typically treats every robbery case as a serious priority.
Criminal defense in Manhattan demands familiarity not only with the Penal Law and the Criminal Procedure Law but also with the local practice before the justices of the 1st Judicial District. in handling criminal matters at New York County Supreme Court, we have observed that prosecutors scrutinize video evidence, view-witness identifications, and alleged-force elements with intensity. A strong defense may begin even before an arraignment — through careful investigation of the alleged victim’s account, analysis of surveillance footage, and engaging early with the assigned assistant district attorney. Because robbery is classified as a violent felony offense under New York’s sentencing framework, the stakes are high. The court’s approach to bail, pretrial release conditions, and potential plea offers depends heavily on the quality of the defense presented at each stage. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in New York County courts, and they draw on extensive combined legal experience to protect clients’ rights.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Robbery Cases
When a client is arrested for robbery, the first priority is to secure an attorney-client consultation and make sure that no statements are given to law enforcement without counsel present. The police may try to interview a suspect immediately; having a lawyer at that stage helps prevent the building of the prosecution’s case. Once retained, our firm reviews the complaint and the supporting deposition carefully, examining each element the People must prove: that property was taken, that it was taken from the person or from the immediate control of another, and that force or the threat of force was used.
Defending a robbery charge often involves contesting one or more of these elements. Did the complainant accurately identify the individual? Was the alleged force merely incidental — a push during a dispute rather than a forcible theft? Is there video evidence that contradicts the complainant’s account or shows a consensual encounter? Mr. Sris, drawing on his background as a former prosecutor, understands the prosecution’s incentives and the tactics they employ. Together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, he develops a strategy tailored to the specific facts: challenging identification procedures, negotiating for a reduced charge when evidence is weak, or preparing for trial when the client chooses to fight. Throughout the case, we work to achieve favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who understands how the opposing side builds a case. Admitted in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey, he brings a multi-jurisdictional perspective to every matter. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive combined legal experience, and they have handled felony matters in New York County Supreme Court and across the New York City boroughs. The team collaborates closely: the lead attorney on a robbery case draws on the firm’s collective knowledge of New York procedural law, evidence challenges, and sentencing advocacy. Reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is robbery under New York law?
Robbery is a forcible larceny — stealing property by the use or threatened use of immediate physical force — and it is always a felony in New York. It differs from simple larceny because it involves violence or intimidation. The New York Penal Law classifies robbery into three degrees, with first-degree robbery (armed or causing serious injury) carrying the most severe penalties. A conviction can result in a state prison sentence and a permanent criminal record. For guidance on your specific charge, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a robbery charge differ from a theft charge?
A robbery charge requires proof of force or threat of force, whereas a theft charge (larceny) involves only the taking of property without the victim’s consent. If there is no force or threat, the prosecution may charge grand larceny or petit larceny instead of robbery. Because robbery is classified as a violent felony, the penalties are substantially more serious, and the case is heard in the Supreme Court rather than the Criminal Court. This distinction can materially affect sentencing and parole eligibility. To discuss the evidence in your case, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
What should I do if I am arrested for robbery in New York?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss the incident with police, friends, or family, and do not post about it on social media. Anything you say can be used against you. Contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible — early engagement permits evidence preservation, witness interviews, and, in some cases, negotiation for a reduced charge before the prosecution files formal charges. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Can a robbery charge be reduced or dismissed?
Yes, under the right facts a robbery charge may be reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely if the evidence does not support the felony element of force. For example, if the defense persuades the prosecutor that the incident involved no actual force or that the victim’s account is unreliable, the charge might be pleaded down to a felony that is not classified as violent, or even to a misdemeanor larceny. An experienced defense attorney evaluates the discovery, challenges identification procedures, and negotiates with the assigned assistant district attorney. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on the facts. To discuss strategy, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for a robbery arrest in Manhattan?
Yes, retaining a lawyer after a robbery arrest in Manhattan is essential — the charge is a serious felony, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these cases actively. Without counsel, you risk making statements that damage your defense, missing critical deadlines, and forfeiting opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. An attorney experienced in New York County criminal defense can handle arraignment, bail arguments, and pretrial motions that shape the course of the case. For guidance, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
How does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Approach robbery defense?
We start by examining every element of the People’s case — was there a taking, was force used, was the identification reliable — and then build a defense strategy around the facts and the law. Where the evidence is weak, we work to obtain a dismissal or a substantial charge reduction. Where the client is innocent, we prepare for trial. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys draw on extensive combined legal experience in New York criminal courts to pursue favorable outcomes. Results may vary.
Additional resources:
Other criminal defense pages on this site:
Petit larceny attorney in New York · Grand larceny defense lawyer · Theft defense representation · Burglary charges lawyer · Assault defense attorney
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.