A Los Angeles medical marijuana store was robbed late last night. Robbers wearing ski masks and waving guns barged into the Gourmet Green Room around 11 p.m. Thursday, June 18, demanding cash and pot. The three armed men made off with $15,000 in cash and an undisclosed amount of marijuana, escaping in a silver Cadillac driven by a fourth man. While customers were present during the holdup, no one was hurt. Police are investigating a possible link to another pot store robbery in L.A.'s San Fernando Valley.
Medicinal marijuana may be legal in California, but robbery is not. "Robbery is the taking of property from another against their will by means of force or fear," explains expert Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Stephen Rodriguez. Robbery is a serious crime in the state of California and is charged as a felony. A conviction for robbery adds a "strike" to your record under California's harsh Three Strikes Law. The use of guns during the commission of a robbery increases the seriousness of the crime and adds stringent penalties if the perpetrator is convicted and sentenced.
Criminal defense lawyer Rodriguez offers this advice if you are caught in a robbery or other theft in the Los Angeles area:
- Contact an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer like Stephen Rodriguez as soon as possible so your rights will be protected right from the start.
- Gather all witnesses and facts surrounding the accusations so your attorney can thoroughly evaluate your case and determine the most effective course of action.
- Discuss the legal defense process with your attorney. Stephen Rodriguez will explain each step in the defense process, describe what your attorney will be doing, and tell you what you need to do.
- Communicate all information about the case to your attorney. Give your lawyer a complete picture of your past criminal record, present living conditions, medical history or needs, financial status, employment, citizenship and anything else that may affect your case. Be honest with your lawyer. The more information your attorney has, the better he will be able to defend you. Remember, information you provide to your attorney is privileged and cannot be used against you.
- Follow your attorney's instructions. Do not volunteer information to the authorities. If in doubt about anything, check with your attorney first.
