Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
A 25-year-old Leoni Township man was recently arrested by police in connection with the armed robberies of two Leoni Township businesses, according to news articles at Mlive.com. The suspect’s name has not yet been released pending his arraignment on the charges.
Police arrested the suspect on December 17; two charges were issued against him for armed robbery by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office according to Detective Sgt. Chris Boulter of the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety.
On November 25, the suspect allegedly stole $16 from the purse of Charleen Shelby, owner of Shelby Shoe Outlet. Shelby said that the man came into the store and demanded she open the cash register, which was already open and contained no cash due to the fact it was early in the morning and no customers had made a purchase. Shelby said the man pointed a gun in her face two times, and demanded her purse after seeing that the registered contained no cash.
Police also believe the same man is responsible for the November 26 armed robbery of the Valero gas station located at 3501 Page Avenue. In this incident, a man wearing sunglasses, dark gloves, and a dark coat with the hood pulled up entered the station and brandished a handgun demanding money from a clerk. The amount of money the suspect took in this incident was not disclosed.
Armed robbery is a very serious offense; those convicted in Michigan will face extremely harsh criminal penalties. Whether an individual is actually in possession of a weapon or insinuates it, he or she may be charged with felony armed robbery. The maximum punishment if found guilty of this offense is life in prison. According to Michigan Penal Code 750.529, the minimum sentence for a conviction of armed robbery is two years. The criminal penalties you will face if convicted depend on a number of factors, including past criminal history.
If you have been accused of armed robbery it is critical that you speak with a seasoned Michigan criminal defense lawyer right away. Your lawyer will work with you, providing guidance throughout the criminal justice process and enlightening you regarding the most effective course to protect your freedom and help you avoid criminal penalties.