Robbery Lawyer New York County, NY
You were in a Manhattan apartment, an argument turned into a shove, and now you’re being accused of taking someone else’s property by force — an accusation that could change everything. A robbery charge in New York County is not a simple misunderstanding; it’s a violent felony that puts your freedom, your reputation, and your future at risk. The pressure of an arrest, the fear of what comes next, and the confusion about the court process can feel overwhelming. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team understand what you’re facing. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor who founded this firm in 1997, and he concentrates his practice on criminal defense, including robbery charges in Manhattan and throughout New York County. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Robbery Charges Mean in New York County
In New York, robbery is defined under the New York Penal Law as forcibly stealing property from another person. The charge is classified as a violent felony and is prosecuted in New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007, because all felony cases in Manhattan are handled at the Supreme Court Criminal Term. The severity of a robbery charge depends on factors such as whether a weapon was displayed, whether anyone was injured, and the value of the property taken. A conviction can lead to a lengthy state prison sentence and a permanent felony record.
New York County includes every Manhattan neighborhood — from the Financial District to Inwood — and the court system processes a high volume of felony cases daily. Clients often ask about bail: New York’s 2020 bail reform eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, but robbery, as a violent felony offense, may still involve bail proceedings where the court considers flight risk and community safety. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly at the Manhattan criminal courthouse and understand how local judges and prosecutors approach robbery cases. Their experience includes evaluating the strength of identification evidence, assessing whether the taking was truly forcible, and negotiating for reduced charges when possible.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Robbery Cases
When you retain Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team begin by listening: they want to understand your account of what happened, your background, and your goals for the case. Because Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, he knows how the district attorney’s office evaluates robbery allegations — what evidence they need to prove force, what weaknesses they look for in witness testimony, and when they are open to plea discussions. This insight shapes the defense strategy from the very first meeting.
A robbery defense in New York County involves gathering police reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and any other evidence that can challenge the prosecution’s version of events. The team examines whether the police followed proper procedures during the arrest and investigation. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel then explore all strategic options: negotiating for a reduction to a lesser offense such as petit larceny, seeking dismissal if the evidence is insufficient, or preparing for trial. Each step is explained to you clearly so you can make informed decisions about your case. They do not promise a specific outcome, but they work to protect your rights and achieve the most favorable resolution possible under the circumstances. Results may vary.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing criminal defense since 1997. He is a former prosecutor who concentrates his practice on felony and misdemeanor representations in New York and four other jurisdictions. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His Of Counsel team brings over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel. Results may vary.
Collectively, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide, including charges in New York County. Each attorney is engaged through an Of Counsel arrangement, meaning there are no associates or junior staff — every professional working on your case is an experienced lawyer. The firm maintains a New York location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, and serves clients throughout Manhattan by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York have cash bail for robbery charges?
New York reformed bail in 2020, eliminating cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. Robbery, as a violent felony, may still involve a bail determination where the judge can consider factors like flight risk and community safety. The court could set bail, release the defendant on their own recognizance, or impose supervised release conditions. An attorney can present arguments for release at the arraignment.
What is an ACD and can it apply to a robbery charge?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition where charges are adjourned for a period — typically six to twelve months — and then automatically dismissed if the defendant stays out of trouble. ACDs are generally available for eligible first-time, non-violent offenses. Because robbery is a violent felony, it is unlikely to qualify for an ACD, but the prosecution may still agree to reduce the charge to a non-violent offense through negotiation, which could then become eligible.
Can I get a robbery charge sealed in New York?
New York offers conditional sealing under CPL § 160.59 for certain convictions after ten years, but violent felony convictions like robbery are generally ineligible. Sealing is possible if the charge is reduced to a non-violent offense or dismissed. If a robbery charge results in an acquittal or dismissal, you may be eligible to have your records sealed. An attorney can explain which post-conviction relief options apply to your specific situation.
How does a robbery case proceed in New York County Supreme Court?
Because robbery is a felony, the case starts with an arraignment in Criminal Court and then moves to Supreme Court after a grand jury indictment. The timeline can span several months, with pretrial motions, hearings, and eventual trial or plea. The court is located at 60 Centre Street, and local practices can influence how discovery is handled. Having an attorney familiar with Manhattan procedures helps you understand each stage.
What is the difference between robbery and larceny in New York?
Larceny is theft without force; robbery is theft accompanied by force or the threat of force. Petit larceny (value under $1,000) is a class A misdemeanor, while robbery is always a felony. The force element makes robbery a much more serious charge, with far greater potential prison time. If the prosecution cannot prove the element of force, the charge may be reduced to a larceny offense.
How can a former prosecutor help with my robbery defense?
Mr. Sris’s background as a former prosecutor gives him direct insight into how the district attorney’s office builds and evaluates robbery cases. He knows what evidence the prosecution needs to establish force beyond a reasonable doubt, how they assess witness credibility, and when they are open to negotiating a reduction. This perspective informs the defense strategy from the moment you call. Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your case.
Additional Resources
For a complete statutory breakdown of New York robbery laws, you can review the relevant sections of the New York Penal Law. Learn more about the court that handles felony cases at the New York County Supreme Court, Criminal Term. For a comprehensive analysis of criminal defense strategies, see our firm’s main criminal defense page.
Also serving: Kings County (Brooklyn) Criminal Lawyer · Queens County (Queens) Criminal Lawyer · Richmond County (Staten Island) Criminal Lawyer · Nassau County (Long Island) Criminal Lawyer
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.