What is the sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery in 2024?

Being convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery can come with a hefty sentence. Conspiracy is an offence that the courts take very seriously. It can even carry a sentence of more than ten years imprisonment, depending on what has taken place. It is for this reason that anybody involved can feel very concerned and worried about who is defending them in the Court.

Conspiracy to commit armed robbery can be something as small as planning with a friend to mug somebody in the street with a knife to something much more complex such as planning on holding up a bank at gunpoint with fifteen other people including a getaway driver. Despite the size of the event, if a weapon is part of the plan, then it will still be assigned the ‘Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery’ category, and this could mean a hefty prison term.

When a conspiracy to commit armed robbery investigation takes place, it can be worrying for you, your family and your friends. There will be a concern that you won’t be able to secure the income to pay your mortgage, your bills or even have enough income to buy food for your family. Your life will feel unstable, and you’ll be uncertain of what struggles the next few months or years can bring.

Evidence in these cases can sometimes be complicated and vast. It can range from telephone calls to certain people at certain times, images of you meeting people in bars or cafes or other public or private place, to witness statements. The prosecution will seek to prove their case with forensic or DNA evidence, mobile phone sim card analysis, identification procedures and expert reports on any alleged weapons that were to be involved.

To help you to understand what the outcome might be as a result of being convicted of a conspiracy to commit armed robbery offence, we’ve detailed the sentencing guidelines.  Please note that a competent and experienced solicitor may be able to get a prison sentence reduced or even avoid it entirely.

If you have a question, but you cannot find it on this page, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can answer more of your questions if you call us on 0208 888 5225.

What type of actions are considered Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery?

Here are some examples of the different levels of an conspiracy to commit armed robbery that may be part of your situation:

• A plan to hold somebody up in the street with a knife to steal their mobile phone
• A plan to rob a bank with the use of a getaway driver and semi-automatic machine guns

Other Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery offence examples include:

• Plots to hold up petrol stations and other commercial properties to secure cash
• Plots to undertake commercial robberies such as those involving a security van

Depending on what your plan was and who you plotted it with, you may need to answer questions about the following scenarios:

• Who were you planning to commit armed robbery with?
• Why did you contact ‘person’s name’ on ‘date’?
• Why were you driving around your town with a gun hidden beneath the front seat?

There are other ways to collect evidence for police to use to build a case against you. For example, they will search for your fingerprints and any samples of DNA that they can find at the scene of the crime if it took place. Besides, they are likely to want to inspect your mobile phone to collect evidence.

When the sentence of a convicted defendant is issued, the length will depend upon whether the conspiracy to commit armed robbery resulted in a theft that actually took place, what the value of the goods or valuables that were taken or planned to be taken and what your role was in the (planned) event.

What is the average sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery offences?

When sentencing for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, your case will be judged on what your role was and how much involvement you had in the plan. There will also be questions about whether the crime actually took place and whether anybody got hurt.

Even the most minor of robberies will be taken very seriously by the courts. The sentences given are typically 12 years down to community service, depending on whether a weapon was present.

Whether you harmed or injured a person will also be considered, and this could dramatically increase the sentence if you are found guilty.

How does a court decide on the seriousness of the conspiracy to commit armed robbery offence for sentencing purposes?

The information that judges are given with regards to sentencing are only guidelines, and each case will be looked at individually. One of the factors judges consider in every case of this nature is the defendant’s level of genuine remorse.

Other elements of what will decide how serious the crime includes:

• If minimal force was used
• Whether a weapon was used
• Whether a weapon was used, with a lot of force and/or serious injury

The following factors are also considered when the Court decides which sentence to give for any crime. They will look at:

• Your previous conviction(s)
• Whether a large number of people were involved
• Your level of remorse
• Your level of cooperation with the investigation
• Whether you played the role of a leader in the robbery
• The value of what was taken
• If the offence took place at night
• Whether the offence was planned or opportunistic
• Your reputation / good character
• Whether you have any serious medical conditions that require long term, urgent or intensive treatment
• Whether you have a learning disability or a mental disorder
• Whether you are the sole or primary carer for related dependents
• Whether the property that was taken was returned voluntarily

What are some of the mitigating factors that might reduce the Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery sentence?

When sentencing for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, your case will be judged on what your role was and how much involvement you had in the crime. There will also be questions about whether the crime was planned or performed on a more opportunistic and impulsive nature.

Whether you harmed or injured a person will also be considered.

Certain aspects of a case are known as the mitigating aspects which can influence the sentence that a judge gives. In possession of indecent images cases, they may include:

• Whether the defendant is disabled or mentally ill
• The age of the defendant, i.e. if they are particularly young, their age may affect their level of responsibility
• If there are previous, relevant or recent convictions
• Suspect shows a considerable level of genuine remorse
• A previous good character with exemplary conduct
• If there is a learning disability or mental disorder linked to this offence
• There have been demonstrative steps made to address this behaviour

Is it possible to reduce a sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery with a guilty plea?

In recent years, several changes have been made to the sentencing system in the UK to save the court time and cost and to protect witnesses from the stress of needlessly going through a trial. For offenders aged 18 and over, pleading guilty early on in a case can reduce a sentence by as much as one third (maximum). The later the plea is entered, the smaller the reduction.

• ‘Early on’ refers to ‘the first stage of the proceedings’ and means anytime up to and including the first hearing at the Magistrates Court or Crown Court for indictable offences.
• If a plea is entered 14 days after the first hearing, for example, the maximum level of reduction is just 20% or one-fifth of the sentence. For indictable offences, the limit for a guilty plea to be made is within 28 days after the prosecutor has stated compliance with section 3 of CPIA 1996 and serving disclosure; although the decision is ultimately in the hands of the Judge who has the discretion to apply whatever credit is deemed appropriate.
• After these times, there is a sliding scale of credit applied. This goes down to one-tenth on the first day of the trial and to zero if entered during the course of the trial. In theory, the ten percent could be given if the plea is issued after the opening speeches on the first day, but prior to any witness evidence being heard.
• If the accused does not want to plead guilty, then it’s important for the solicitor to regularly inform the Court throughout the trial of the reasons why the client’s plea is not guilty.

What are some of the other consequences of the Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery offence?

Ancillary Orders

A court can also make ancillary orders on a defendant if they are found guilty and convicted of an offence. These are extra elements that can be added to a sentence and include additional restrictions or requirements that affect a dependent’s finances, property or activity.

Ancillary orders that are typically added to the penalty for those who are found to be guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery include:

• Compensation for loss
• Restraint orders
• Reparation orders
• Financial reporting order
• Confiscation orders

As part of your investigation, you may also have your assets frozen with the possibility of having cash or other assets seized.

Besides, the Court may demand payment of the following if the accused is convicted:

Payment of costs applied for by the prosecutors

Although the police meet some of the costs involved in the prosecution, the costs of investigation are typically sought from the convicted. These may include the costs of:

• The work done in obtaining sufficient evidence for prosecution either at the initial stage or later at the request of Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• Seeking medical or expert evidence as part of the investigation, (where a witness is required to attend Court, the cost of the attendance falls on the CPS).
• Re-interviewing witnesses
• The entire costs of the prosecutor, including fees for the use of external Barristers used by the CPS, can be recovered from the defendant, subject to means. At the end of the case, the prosecutor under The Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 will request the Judge to order a sum to be paid for the costs incurred by the prosecutor in bringing the prosecution.

Victims surcharges

The term victims’ surcharges can be explained as paying compensation to a fund for victims and can range between £20 to £170 depending on what sentence you were given at conviction.

How sentences can be added to national information databases

There are several national databases that hold information about individuals and any allegations made about them, their criminal and court records. These include the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) which was previously known as the CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) and the Police National Computer (PNC).  Depending on what happened, whether the accused is convicted and what sentence was issued, the accused may be added to one or all of these databases. Their purpose is to provide information to potential employers and to regulate the ability to take part in certain activities.

If your case progresses to Court and you are convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, your conviction will be noted on your CRB / police record. The period of the endorsement will depend on the nature and length of your sentence.

Below are details on how long you will be listed as holding a criminal record if convicted. This is something very serious to consider when it comes to future employment. The term ‘spent’ refers to when your name can be removed from the databases.

How Can Stuart Miller Solicitors Help?

We have three decades of experience in the legal field and have represented hundreds of clients accused of Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Robbery Charges. Over the time we have been in operation, our criminal solicitors have accrued enormous expertise and experience. Our track record of success demonstrates our understanding of a wide variety of defence approaches for this legal field.

Although there is no one way to get the best results when it comes to defence strategy, our criminal solicitors have in-depth knowledge of the different ways they will increase their chances of winning the case. This may involve inspecting all the evidence for holes, looking at all witness statements closely and viewing all forensic evidence.

Regardless of your age or your level of involvement in the allegations being made, our Criminal Solicitors will defend you with a pro-active and relentless attitude. We will scrutinise the prosecution’s case, challenge illegally obtained evidence, contest the testimony of lying witnesses, and we will gather defence evidence to present in support of your case.

Allegations may involve a robbery on the street, an armoured van robbery or smash and grab from a jeweller. No matter what has happened, and how serious the crime, the person who provides you with legal help should be very experienced and knowledgeable so that you get the best possible outcome.

Our Criminal Solicitors are always keen to challenge prosecution evidence with our own expert reports and to test the accuracy of any evidence being presented against you. To that end, we have maintained close relationships with some of the best telephony analysts, computer experts and DNA evaluation specialists. Not only will we check the prosecution’s evidence, but we will also ask the expert to come to Court and give positive testimony on your behalf.

Our Criminal Solicitors will consider the number and calibre of other persons who may have been arrested on your case. Knowing how to respond to the potential of another person openly divulging material incriminatory to you is invaluable and the Criminal Defence Solicitors at this firm are rehearsed with such situations and know exactly how to preserve your interests best.

Arrest & Interview

If you are arrested, it’s critical that you take a legal professional with you to the police station. Do not attend any police interview without the guidance of an experienced Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery lawyer. The police are trained to secure convictions, and if this means getting you to incriminate yourself, then they will feel that they are getting somewhere in their quest.

Taking a lawyer with you will provide you with some form of protection. They will guide you on what to say and what not to say. They will also ask to see any other evidence that they police have against you that they may not yet have declared or shown you. It’s your right to be accompanied by a solicitor to any police meeting or for any police communication.

When it comes to devising the defence strategy, we often adopt a worst-case scenario position and work backwards, ensuring every weakness in the case is plugged. We will engage talented and motivated Barristers or QC’s to defend you, and together, we can all apply many different minds to the problem and create solutions meeting your objectives.

If you have been accused of Robbery or Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, early action in the case is pivotal to increasing the chances of success. In such intimidating and complicated investigations or prosecutions, you will require competent and expert advice at every crossroads. To build your trust with us and to test our abilities, we will offer you a free consultation. Call us today so that you can put your mind at ease.

Would you like to discuss your case before instructing us?

Our aim is to provide support and legal advice. We invite you to take advantage of this by making use of our free thirty-minute consultation.

If you’re already in the police station or custody as you’ve been arrested, then we can represent you. We can also look at securing legal aid for you. If for some reason, you don’t qualify then, please know that we offer very competitive rates and do not tack on charges without letting you know beforehand, wherever possible.

Please Contact Us today, and we can arrange for you to speak with our criminal defence lawyers and conspiracy to commit armed robbery solicitors. You can talk in person, on the phone or via video call.

Get in touch with us now for conspiracy to commit armed robbery legal help.