Robbery Defense Attorney in Akron, Ohio

Former Prosecutor. 20+ Years of Criminal Defense. Fighting for Akron.

A robbery or aggravated robbery charge in Akron, Ohio carries the weight of a felony conviction, potential prison time, and consequences that follow you long after the sentence ends. Attorney VanHo brings more than 20 years of criminal law experience to every case, including his background as a former prosecutor and former assistant attorney general. That background shapes how VanHo Law approaches robbery defense: by understanding how the state builds its case before a single motion is filed.

Attorney VanHo has been recognized as a Top 10 criminal defense attorney in Ohio. We represent clients facing robbery and aggravated robbery charges in Akron and throughout Summit County. An arrest isn’t a conviction. The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt, and that standard is where a well-prepared defense begins.

If you or someone you know is facing a robbery charge in Akron or the surrounding area, contact VanHo Law now at (330) 681-1120. Time matters in criminal cases, and early representation can make a significant difference.

Ohio Robbery Law: ORC 2911.02 & ORC 2911.01

Ohio draws a clear statutory line between robbery and aggravated robbery, and which charge a prosecutor files determines the sentencing exposure a defendant faces.

Under Ohio Revised Code 2911.02, robbery occurs when a person, while attempting or committing a theft offense or fleeing immediately after, either has a deadly weapon on or about their person or under their control, inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict physical harm on another, or uses or threatens the immediate use of force against another. Under Ohio Revised Code 2911.01, aggravated robbery requires that the offender have a deadly weapon and display, brandish, indicate possession of, or use it; have dangerous ordnance on or about their person or under their control; inflict or attempt to inflict serious physical harm on another; or knowingly remove or attempt to remove a deadly weapon from a law enforcement officer acting within the course and scope of their duties. Both charges apply to completed theft offenses, attempted theft offenses, and conduct occurring during flight from the scene. Both are classified as crimes of violence under Ohio law.

Felony Tiers & Sentencing Exposure

The degree of the charge determines the sentencing range, and robbery charges span three felony tiers in Ohio:

• 3rd Degree Felony Robbery: When force or threat of force is used, a conviction under ORC 2911.02 carries 1 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
• 2nd Degree Felony Robbery: When the offender has a deadly weapon or inflicts or threatens physical harm, the charge elevates to a 2nd degree felony, carrying 2 to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.
• 1st Degree Felony Aggravated Robbery: A conviction under ORC 2911.01 carries 3 to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.

A firearm specification attached to a robbery charge adds a mandatory prison term that runs consecutively to the underlying sentence, substantially increasing total sentencing exposure. Because robbery is classified as a crime of violence, it can’t be sealed from a criminal record under Ohio law.

Why VanHo Law for Robbery Defense in Akron

Attorney VanHo’s time as a prosecutor gives us a practical understanding of how Summit County prosecutors approach robbery cases: what evidence they prioritize, how they sequence their theory, and where gaps in the evidence are most likely to appear. That perspective informs the defense strategy from day one.

We challenge evidence, identify constitutional violations in how evidence was obtained, and develop targeted defense arguments matched to the specific facts of each case. Clients receive personalized representation focused on protecting their freedom and future. Combined with Attorney VanHo’s recognition as a Top 10 criminal defense attorney in Ohio, that’s what we bring to every Akron robbery defense case.