Virginia Men Arrested for Robberies in Sterling & Herndon

Law enforcement arrested two Virginia men in connection with felony robberies that occurred Sterling and Herndon, according to an article by the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with the Town of Herndon Police Department to complete these arrests.

According to official reports, the two men in question allegedly robbed a convenience store in Sterling on December 4th. The two men allegedly entered the store and loitered for a brief time. Then one of the men attacked a store employee with pepper spray. After forcing the employee to empty the register, the two men allegedly fled the scene.

As a result of this incident, the authorities charged both men with robbery and abduction. Both men remain in police custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center and await further legal action. To understand the potential criminal consequences at play, it would be helpful to review Virginia statutes governing robbery and abduction.

How Does Virginia Define & Punish Robbery?

Under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-58, robbery is a type of theft crime that involves force or the threat of force. Robbery differs from a basic theft crime, because during a robbery, the perpetrator:

• Suffocates or partially strangles the victim;
• Strikes, beats, or commits other acts of violence against the victim;
• Brandishes a firearm, deadly weapon, or similar instrument; or
• Commits other acts that place the victim in fear of physical harm.

Section 18.2-58 also provides the punishment for robbery. If someone is convicted of this felony crime, the punishment can include criminal fines and five years to life in prison.

That being said, Virginia has separate laws to govern carjacking. Under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-58.1, carjacking occurs when a person uses force or the threat of force to steal a motor vehicle from a victim. Essentially, carjacking is a robbery of a motor vehicle.

Section 18.2-58.1 also details the punishment for carjacking. If someone is convicted of this felony crime, the punishment can include criminal fines and 15 years to life in prison.

How Does Virginia Define & Punish Abduction?

Under Code of Virginia Section 18.2-47, abduction is a criminal offense that involves depriving someone of their personal liberty. In committing this crime, the perpetrator uses force, intimidation, or deception to maintain control over the victim. Under Virginia law, the terms kidnapping and abduction have the same meaning.

Section 18.2-47 also establishes the punishment for abduction. Generally, abduction is a Class 5 felony. If someone is convicted of this crime, the punishment can include $2,500 in criminal fines and one to 10 years in prison.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you have legal questions about robbery, abduction, or other offenses in Virginia, it can be decidedly helpful to contact a trusted criminal defense lawyer. The Leesburg felonies & misdemeanors lawyers at Simms Showers LLP have built a sterling reputation in criminal defense, including charges of robbery and abduction. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Resource:

loudountimes.com/news/two-charged-with-sterling-7-eleven-robbery/article_b7d38868-3895-11eb-b7b2-1751cbf97049.html