When we hear or read about a robbery that took place, the scenario that most often comes to mind is that of a stranger taking the property of another by force of fear. Although that often happens, it is not always the case.
According to news sources, a 22-year-old man was arrested for robbery recently after authorities came to believe that he physically assault his mother over a tax return.
The mother told police that her son felt that she ought to share her tax return with him. When she refused, she said, he grabbed her arm and struck her in the face. The mother went on to say that after striking her, the son grabbed her purse -- which contained her tax refund -- and ran out of the family's home.
When police were on the scene interviewing the mother, the son returned. He allegedly had the purse with him.
The son was arrested then and there. He was booked into Southwest Detention Center on suspicion of robbery.
California Penal Code 211 defines robbery as: "… the felonious taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his person or immediate presence, and against his will, accomplished by means of force or fear." It is punishable by incarceration for 2, 3 or 5 years in state prison.
Regardless of what his mental state was at the time, the man is now facing very grave charges. He would do well to hire a criminal defense attorney to assist him as he faces these accusations.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for robbery or the related offense of grand theft, call us for a free consultation. At the Law Office of Nicolai Cocis, we help individuals from the Riverside County communities of Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Corona, Temecula and Menifee. Our office is located near the Southwest Justice Center.