Robbery Lawyer Bedford County — Defending Against Serious Theft Charges
A robbery charge in Bedford County is a serious felony under Virginia law, carrying severe penalties. If you are facing a robbery or armed robbery charge, you need a dedicated robbery lawyer Bedford County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Our firm has documented results defending clients in Bedford County General District and Circuit Courts. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Virginia Robbery Law and Penalties
Robbery in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-58 as the taking of personal property from another person or in their presence, against their will, by violence or intimidation. This is distinct from larceny due to the element of force or fear. Armed robbery, defined under Va. Code § 18.2-58, involves the use or display of a firearm or other weapon in the commission of the robbery and carries even harsher mandatory minimum sentences.
Last verified: April 2026 | Bedford County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-58 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court information and procedures can be found at the Bedford County General District Court website.
handling a Robbery Case in Bedford County
Robbery cases in Bedford County begin with an arrest and an initial appearance before a magistrate. The case is then heard in Bedford County General District Court for preliminary hearings. Felony robbery charges are certified to Bedford County Circuit Court for trial. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Bedford County prosecutes these cases aggressively.
- Initial Arrest & Bond Hearing: A magistrate sets bond. For robbery charges, secured bond is common.
- General District Court Arraignment: You will be formally charged and enter a plea. A preliminary hearing date is set.
- Preliminary Hearing: The prosecution must show probable cause. Your attorney can cross-examine witnesses.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, the case moves to Bedford County Circuit Court for formal indictment and trial scheduling.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney will review all evidence and file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
- Trial or Negotiation: The case proceeds to a jury trial or may be resolved through plea negotiations based on the strength of the defense.
Potential Penalties for Robbery Charges
In Bedford County, robbery is a felony punishable by 5 years to life imprisonment, with armed robbery carrying mandatory minimum sentences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) | Felony | 5 years to life | Up to $100,000 | Permanent felony record, loss of firearm rights |
| Armed Robbery (Va. Code § 18.2-58) | Felony | Mandatory minimum: 5 years (firearm) or 3 years (other weapon) | Up to $100,000 | Mandatory minimum sentence, enhanced penalties |
| Attempted Robbery | Felony | 2 to 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Same serious consequences as completed act |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors and a former Virginia State Trooper, providing a combined 120+ years of legal experience. We have handled over firm-wide 4,739 cases with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our approach is built on thorough case investigation and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Our firm has a documented record in Bedford County courts. In one case, our defense team secured a bond grant for a client facing serious computer solicitation charges in Bedford County Circuit Court. In another, we achieved a dismissal for a juvenile client in Bedford County J&DR Court after the charge was taken under advisement and community service was completed. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our lead attorney for complex criminal defense, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor and firm founder with multi-state bar admissions who personally handles intricate cases.
Robbery Defense Lawyer Near Bedford County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients in Bedford County. We are accessible from Route 460, Route 122, and other major highways. We provide experienced legal defense for residents of Bedford, Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, and Moneta.
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
505 N Main St, Suite 103
Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between robbery and armed robbery in Virginia?
Robbery involves taking property by force or intimidation. Armed robbery involves using or displaying a firearm or other weapon during the crime, which triggers mandatory minimum prison sentences under Va. Code § 18.2-58.
Can a robbery charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. Robbery is a felony by statute. However, through negotiation, charges may sometimes be reduced to a lesser felony like grand larceny, or in rare cases involving weak evidence, amended to a misdemeanor assault. The specific facts and evidence are critical.
What should I do if I am arrested for robbery in Bedford County?
Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone until you have spoken with your attorney. Contact a robbery charge defense lawyer Bedford County from our firm at (888) 437-7747 for 24/7 assistance.
Why do I need a specialized armed robbery defense lawyer Bedford County?
Armed robbery charges carry mandatory prison time. A specialized lawyer understands the nuances of weapon statutes, can challenge evidence like firearm identification, and has experience negotiating with prosecutors to seek alternatives to the mandatory minimums where possible.
How long does a robbery case take in Bedford County?
A robbery case can take several months to over a year. Misdemeanor-related hearings move faster in General District Court, but felony trials in Circuit Court involve more complex procedures, discovery, and scheduling, skilled to a longer timeline.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also assists with DUI defense in Bedford County and family law matters. For more on our statewide practice, see our Virginia criminal defense hub. We also represent clients in nearby jurisdictions like Shenandoah County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.