What Is The Penalty For Robbing A Gas Station In Bergen County?

Robbery is a serious crime in Bergen County. However, the specific penalties depend on the circumstances of your offense. The general rule is that the more you steal, the higher these penalties will be. However, there are also many other “aggravating circumstances” to take into account, such as the use or possession of a deadly weapon. How bad is robbery in Bergen County? Can an experienced New City criminal defense attorney help you fight for your rights?

Defendants Face Serious Consequences After Allegedly Robbing Seven Gas Stations 

A recent robbery case in Bergen County illustrates how serious these charges can be. In January of 2025, police announced that they had concluded a yearlong investigation into defendants who had allegedly carried out armed robberies on seven gas stations throughout New Jersey. The men now face dozens of criminal charges.

Police say that these robberies began one year ago, in January of 2024. In the first robbery, the two men approached a gas station attendant and threatened him with a gun. They then took cash and credit cards on the premises before fleeing. While police searched the area, they learned of a second gas station robbery nearby. In this robbery, the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded money before stealing cash and fleeing. That same morning, the defendants allegedly carried out a third, similar robbery in the area. They then carried out one more robbery before pausing their activities.

However, they resumed the robberies a few weeks later, targeting another gas station without success this time. That night, they successfully robbed another gas station – bringing the total number of robberies to seven.

Police eventually determined that the two vehicles used in the various robberies were stolen. They also concluded that this was a three-man team, taking turns operating in pairs for each robbery. However, police have only been able to arrest two of the three individuals. These defendants have been charged with multiple counts of armed robbery, aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft. If convicted on all charges, they could spend decades in prison.

Robbery Can Lead to Decades in Prison 

Normal robbery is a crime in the second degree, which means that it comes with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. However, defendants may also face a crime in the first degree for robbery if they threaten to kill anyone. They may also face a crime in the first degree if they cause serious bodily injuries or use a deadly weapon. A crime in the first degree can lead to up to 20 years in prison.

Can a Bergen County Defense Attorney Help With Robbery Charges? 

Although there are set guidelines about robbery penalties in New Jersey, the consequences also depend on the quality of your defense strategy. If you’re serious about reducing these consequences, consider working with an experienced robbery defense attorney in Bergen County. These legal professionals can guide you toward the most optimal outcome. Schedule a consultation with Phillip J. Murphy, P.A. today to get started.

Sources: 

northjersey.com/story/news/crime/2025/01/28/bergen-county-prosecutors-office-files-charges-in-robbery-spree/77994525007/

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