Officers with the Hackensack Police Department allege that a man robbed the TD Bank on River Street in Hackensack, armed with a deadly weapon. According to authorities, 22 year old Drew Hughes entered the bank and demanded money from the two tellers while brandishing a steak knife. Police said that Hughes threatened one teller who handed over $1,068, and then threatened another teller to give him $83 more, saying Big bills only, it s for my daughter. Hughes fled the scene, but officers were able to narrow his location using a tracking device that the tellers put in the bundles of cash. Detective Lt. James Prise, who was canvassing the area, noticed a car with New York license plates driving around aimlessly, so he began pursuit. He effected a motor vehicle stop of the Lyft car and realized that Hughes was a passenger. He allegedly had a black backpack near him.
Hughes was subsequently placed under arrest and charged with robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon (to wit: the steak knife), and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. He later purportedly gave a full confession. Click here to read the entire article at www.northjersey.com.
In the State of New Jersey, Robbery is generally a crime of the Second Degree. If convicted of Second Degree Robbery, a person would face a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison. However, when a person is alleged to have committed a Robbery while armed with a deadly weapon, it is elevated to a crime of the First Degree (the most serious in the State of New Jersey). If convicted of First Degree Robbery, a person would face a sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Regardless of whether the Robbery is charged as a First or Second Degree crime, it is an enumerated crime under the No Early Release Act ( NERA ), which applies to all sentences for “violent crimes” of the First or Second Degree. If you are convicted of a NERA offense in the State of New Jersey, 85% of the sentence imposed upon you must be served before you will become eligible for parole. In other words, if a sentence of 10 years is imposed, you will be required to serve a term of 8.5 years before even becoming eligible for parole.
If you find yourself in a situation where you or a loved one has been charged with Robbery, you should contact an attorney immediately to ensure that your rights are protected. Criminal Defense Lawyer and former Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Alissa D. Hascup, Esq. represents individuals throughout the State of New Jersey charged with a multitude of violent offenses, including Robbery. She is skilled in formulating the necessary defense for your case. Don’t risk your freedom. Contact her office 24/7 for a free consultation at 862-257-1200.
