Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On March 28, 30-year-old Dewayne Kerperien was found guilty of armed robbery in connection with an incident at a Burton Meijer store last year in which he allegedly robbed a woman in the parking lot. Kerperien, who is a resident of Flint, was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison by Genesee Circuit Judge Archie Hayman on Monday April 22.
In August of 2012, Kerperien allegedly forced a woman into her vehicle after following her into the parking lot of the Meijer store located on Center Road. According to a news article at Mlive.com, he approached her from behind with a gun as she got out of her vehicle, then forced her back inside. Kerperien took the woman’s wallet, keys, cell phone, and other property, then drove away. He was captured by surveillance cameras at a gas station nearby, where he was observed selling the victim’s cell phone. Kerperien was found guilty of armed robbery and unlawful imprisonment.
Additional charges of felony firearms and felon in possession of a firearm were filed against Kerperien, however jurors found him not guilty on these charges. He has an extensive criminal background according to state records, and was last released from prison in May of 2010.
Armed robbery is a criminal offense that is punished very harshly in the state of Michigan. Michigan armed robbery lawyers know that any individual who is charged with this crime must obtain a skilled and capable attorney in order to improve the odds of a good outcome. Even when an individual has not been arrested or charged but is under investigation, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can begin working on a strong and effective defense right away.
If you or someone you know is under investigation for armed robbery or has already been arrested or charged, contact a seasoned Michigan criminal defense attorney at once. Without vigorous legal representation, your freedom, future, and reputation are at stake. Your lawyer will work toward having the charge against you dismissed or reduced in order to limit the negative impact to your life.