Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Wednesday November 4, a woman was allegedly robbed of her purse at Delaware Street SE and South Division Avenue in Grand Rapids by two young men who used a BB gun to frighten the woman, who was not injured.
According to a news article a Mlive.com, the two men, who are cousins, were apprehended just a few minutes later after the woman called police; they were riding bicycles when police spotted one of the suspects who appeared to have a BB gun in the pocket of his sweatshirt. Grand Rapids Police Captain Vincent Reilly said the older cousin, who is 24, told police he was on probation for a prior armed robbery offense. The younger cousin had marijuana in his possession, according to Reilly.
The two cousins who were arrested. 20-year-old Moises Espino is charged with one count of armed robbery and possession of marijuana. 24-year-old Ezra Osorio-Espino is charged with armed robbery as a second-time habitual offender. Both were held on $100,000 bond. Police believe the cousins may have been involved in a similar incident earlier in the evening in which two men on bicycles attempted to steal a college student’s backpack.
In the state of Michigan, any individual who attempts to steal goods or money from a person or business and who possesses a dangerous weapon or even insinuates the presence of a weapon when in fact no weapon is present may face armed robbery charges. This is a felony offense that may leave the accused facing life in prison if convicted under Michigan Penal Code 750.529. At the very minimum, anyone found guilty of armed robbery will serve two years in prison.
Regardless of the crime, individuals who are found guilty of a criminal offense often face jail or prison time, substantial fines, a criminal record, and more. In an effort to protect your legal rights, freedom, and future it is vital to work with a highly qualified and established Michigan criminal defense attorney who will advise you of legal options and work to reach the best possible result in your case.