In January of this year, 31-year-old Raymond Burger of Meridian Township was arrested for allegedly robbing a gas station in December of 2012. Burger was accused of holding up the Marathon gas station located at 3010 Lake Lansing Road with a weapon. News reports at Mlive.com state that no one was injured in the incident, and that the defendant stole an undisclosed amount of cash.
After investigating and analyzing surveillance images, Meridian Township police determined that Burger was a suspect in the hold up; a warrant was then issued by the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office for Burger’s arrest. He pleaded guilty to two counts of unarmed robbery in exchange for prosecutors dropping the charge of armed robbery. Now, Burger has been sentenced to three to 15 years in prison by Ingham County Circuit Judge Joyce Draganchuk. He was also ordered by the judge to pay multiple fees and costs. Burger had already served 100 days in jail since his arrest, which Draganchuk gave him credit for.
Burger had a prior criminal record in Wayne County, and had previously served approximately two years for convictions on charges of assault, obstructing, and resisting police. He was released from prison in 2012.
As experienced Michigan armed robbery attorneys we know that if Burger had not pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, he may have faced life in prison. Much of the outcome of a defendant’s case rests in the hands of his/her attorney, and that attorney’s skill and ability. Skilled lawyers work to have the charges against their clients dismissed, but there are situations in which this outcome is not possible. In these situations it may work to the client’s advantage to plea bargain with prosecutors in order to reduce sentencing and the damage to your life. A talented defense attorney can work to develop the best possible defense for his or her client.
Whether you are accused of armed or unarmed robbery, it is essential that you consult with a capable and aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer immediately. The sooner work can begin on your case, the more positive the outcome will likely be. Until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you are innocent.