McGee McGee Agar Law Limited
Email office@mcgeemcgeeagarlaw.co.uk Phone 24 hour helpline: 01642 941440
Dwelling Robbery Solicitors

Dwelling Robbery Solicitors

Expert Legal Defence Across The UK From Our Middlesbrough Law Offices

Get Your Free 30 minute consultation
Rated Excellent 100% 5 star reviews on reviews.io

MMA Law can represent you for any type of offence

Being accused of robbery in someone’s home is one of the most serious allegations a person can face. The emotional and legal weight of such a charge can feel overwhelming, especially when police interviews, bail conditions, and potential court appearances follow quickly. In these moments, having the right legal team beside you is essential. At MMA Law, we understand the complexity and gravity of dwelling robbery cases. These offences often involve allegations of force, entry into private residences, and aggravating factors that significantly increase sentencing risks. We are a team of experienced criminal defence solicitors who specialise in serious and violent crime — with a proven track record of defending clients accused of robbery in dwellings. If you’ve been arrested or charged with robbery in a dwelling, contact MMA Law immediately for specialist legal advice. We offer 24/7 emergency support and a free 30-minute consultation to help you take control of your situation from the outset.

Get Your Free Consultation

What Is Dwelling Robbery?

Under Section 8 of the Theft Act 1968, robbery occurs when a person uses force — or threatens to use force — in order to steal. When such a robbery happens within a dwelling, it becomes more serious due to the invasion of someone’s home and the potential threat to life or safety.

Dwelling robbery differs from standard burglary or street robbery. While burglary typically involves unlawful entry to steal, robbery requires an element of force or threat. In a dwelling, this might include confronting the occupants during the act. Street robbery, such as mugging, happens in public and doesn’t involve entering a private residence.

Robbery in a dwelling is always treated as an indictable offence and will usually be heard in the Crown Court due to its seriousness.

Common Scenarios

Common examples of dwelling robbery include:

  • Forcing entry into a home and threatening occupants to hand over valuables
  • Breaking in while the residents are present and using violence to secure a theft
  • Cases involving weapons, such as knives or imitation firearms
  • Allegations of home invasions involving multiple defendants

These situations may overlap with aggravated burglary, especially where a weapon is involved, or fall under joint enterprise, where more than one person is accused of acting together in the offence.

Our robbery solicitors have successfully defended clients facing these complex and emotionally charged scenarios, using careful evidence analysis and proactive legal strategies.

Get Your Free Consultation
What Is Dwelling Robbery?

What Are the Penalties for Robbery in a Dwelling?

Being convicted of robbery in a dwelling carries some of the most serious penalties under UK law. The courts treat this offence with particular gravity due to the violation of someone’s home — a place where people expect to feel safe. If you're facing such charges, it's vital to understand the sentencing framework and how a conviction could affect your future.

Sentencing GuidelinesFor Dwelling Robbery Cases

Under the Theft Act 1968, robbery in a dwelling is treated as an indictable-only offence, meaning it must be heard in the Crown Court. The Sentencing Guidelines Council sets out the penalties for these types of robbery.

For adult offenders, the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. In practice, sentences typically range from 4 to 16 years depending on several aggravating or mitigating factors. These include:

  • Use or possession of weapons (e.g. knives or firearms)
  • Physical injury or psychological harm to the victim
  • Offending as part of a gang or under joint enterprise
  • Targeting vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly
  • Premeditation or use of disguises

Judges are also likely to impose longer sentences where victims were at home during the robbery or where violence was used to gain entry or compliance.

Impact of a Conviction

A conviction for dwelling robbery can have life-altering consequences beyond the prison sentence itself. These include:

  • A permanent criminal record, making it difficult to secure employment or housing
  • Potential restrictions on travel, especially to countries like the USA and Australia
  • Loss of existing employment, particularly in regulated sectors
  • Stigma and reputational damage in the community
  • Impact on family relationships and child custody rights

Early legal intervention is essential to minimise these risks. Our team works proactively to seek reduced charges, secure bail, or present strong mitigation at sentencing. The earlier you involve a criminal defence solicitor, the better your chances of protecting your future.

How MMA Law Can Help You With Dwelling Robbery Charges

How MMA Law Can Help You With Dwelling Robbery Charges

If you’re facing a serious allegation such as robbery in a dwelling, you need experienced legal professionals who understand how to handle complex criminal cases. At MMA Law, we specialise in defending clients charged with serious offences, including dwelling robbery. We act quickly and strategically to protect your rights from the outset.

Specialist Defence for Dwelling Robbery

MMA Law brings decades of experience in defending robbery charges, including those involving violence in residential settings. These cases require precise legal strategy and an understanding of the law surrounding robbery, aggravated burglary, and joint enterprise.

Early legal intervention can make a significant difference. We frequently support clients at the police station stage to:

  • Prevent unnecessary or unlawful charging decisions
  • Challenge the admissibility of weak evidence
  • Gather and preserve defence evidence such as alibis, phone data, or witness accounts

Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome. Whether that’s dismissal of charges, securing bail, negotiating reduced charges, or building a strong case for trial.

Case Example

One of our clients was arrested following a report of a violent robbery in a private residence. The prosecution relied heavily on a witness identification made under poor lighting conditions. We quickly obtained CCTV footage that undermined the timeline presented by police and instructed an expert to challenge the reliability of the identification evidence.

Thanks to our early intervention and detailed case preparation, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges before trial.

Call us now for urgent legal advice on 01642 941440 or request a free 30-minute legal consultation with our solicitors.

The Legal Process for Dwelling Robbery Cases

Being accused of robbery in a dwelling can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never faced the criminal justice system before. At MMA Law, we ensure that you understand every stage of the process and receive expert legal support from day one.

What Happens After Arrest

If you're suspected of committing a robbery in a home, the process usually begins with an arrest. The police will take you to the station, where you may be held for questioning under caution. This is when you must be told your rights — including the right to remain silent and the right to a solicitor.

At this stage, it is vital that you do not answer police questions without legal representation. The police may attempt to gather information that could later be used against you. We provide 24/7 police station representation to ensure that your rights are fully protected, and that no unfair pressure is placed on you during interviews.

Following the interview, your case will be passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for a charging decision. The CPS will apply the Full Code Test, which assesses whether there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and whether prosecution is in the public interest.

You may then be released on bail with conditions, or remanded in custody depending on the seriousness of the allegation and any perceived risk.

Court Proceedings

If the CPS decides to charge you, you’ll first appear in the Magistrates’ Court. In most cases, dwelling robbery is too serious to be dealt with there, so your case will be sent to the Crown Court.

Before the trial begins, there will be several pre-trial hearings. These may cover issues such as bail applications, disclosure of evidence by the prosecution, and the opportunity for plea negotiations. Plea bargaining — where early guilty pleas may result in reduced sentences — must be carefully considered with legal advice.

A strong defence begins long before the courtroom. Our criminal defence solicitors will thoroughly prepare your case, examine all evidence, and build a strategic defence plan that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome.

What to Do If You’re Charged With Dwelling Robbery

What to Do If You’re Charged With Dwelling Robbery

If you’re charged with dwelling robbery, you have the right to remain silent. We always recommend you exercise that right until you’ve spoken to a solicitor. Anything you say without legal advice could be misunderstood or used out of context.

You also have the right to apply for legal aid, which may help cover your legal costs depending on your financial circumstances and the seriousness of the charge.

Through your solicitor, you have the right to access the prosecution’s evidence. This process, called disclosure, is essential to building a strong defence. It allows us to examine the CPS case in detail, identify weaknesses, and gather evidence in your favour. For example alibi witnesses or CCTV footage that may prove your innocence.

Engaging a solicitor early gives you the best chance of success. It ensures that your rights are protected from the moment of arrest and helps shape the direction of your case from the start.

When to Contact MMA Law

You should contact MMA Law as soon as you are arrested, interviewed under caution, or suspect you may be under investigation. Delaying legal support can mean missing opportunities to influence decisions — such as making early representations to the CPS that could prevent a charge from being brought at all.

We also move quickly to secure key evidence before it becomes unavailable, and to protect you from missteps that could harm your defence.

Our experienced criminal defence solicitors are available 24/7. If you’ve been charged or are under investigation for robbery in a dwelling, don’t wait — call us immediately or request your free 30-minute legal consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is robbery in a dwelling in the UK?

Robbery in a dwelling involves using or threatening force to steal from someone inside their home. It is more serious than standard burglary because it typically occurs while occupants are present and involves violence or intimidation. This offence is covered under Section 8 of the Theft Act 1968.

Can I go to prison for dwelling robbery?

Yes. Robbery in a dwelling is an indictable-only offence and often results in immediate custody. Sentences can range from several years to life imprisonment depending on the circumstances, especially if weapons, injury, or vulnerable victims are involved.

Is dwelling robbery the same as aggravated burglary?

Not exactly. While both offences involve unlawful entry into a property, aggravated burglary specifically requires the presence of a weapon at the time of the burglary. Dwelling robbery focuses on the use or threat of force during the theft inside a home, with or without a weapon.

What should I do if I’ve been falsely accused of robbery in a home?

You should seek legal advice immediately. Do not answer police questions without a solicitor present. Your defence team can help secure alibi evidence, challenge mistaken identity, and ensure false accusations are properly addressed and dismissed.

Can MMA Law help at the police station?

Absolutely. MMA Law offers 24/7 police station representation. If you’re arrested or asked to attend a voluntary interview, one of our experienced solicitors can be with you to protect your rights, advise you on how to respond, and start building your defence immediately.

Why Choose MMA Law for Dwelling Robbery Defence?

Being accused of robbery in someone’s home is one of the most serious criminal charges you can face. At MMA Law, we understand how overwhelming and distressing this experience can be. Our team of experienced dwelling robbery solicitors is here to guide you through every stage of the legal process with clear, strategic advice and strong legal representation.

We have successfully defended clients in some of the most complex and high-profile robbery cases across the North East. Whether you're accused of acting alone or as part of a joint enterprise, our solicitors are equipped to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s case. From securing bail to preparing a robust defence, we tailor our approach to the specifics of your case.

We also pride ourselves on open, honest communication. Our clients are kept informed and reassured throughout the process. No jargon, no guesswork, just expert legal help when it matters most.

Why clients choose MMA Law:

  • 24/7 emergency legal advice, including police station attendance
  • Decades of combined criminal defence experience
  • Proven success in serious and multi-defendant robbery cases
  • Offices in Middlesbrough, serving clients across the North East
  • Legal Aid and competitive private fee arrangements available

If you need trusted dwelling robbery solicitors, act quickly to protect your future. Call 01642 941440 or contact us online to arrange your free 30-minute legal consultation.

Funding Your Case

We will assess your eligibility for Legal Aid and if you are not eligible, we will provide you with an agreed fee to represent you to conclusion of your case.

Get Your Free Consultation

Trusted by many others just like you

Your 5 Star Firm

McGee McGee agar law supported me through both my divorce and child custody arrangements, through this difficult time they were supportive and thorough with their advice and guidance, I feel that the results obtained in both cases would not have been as positive with any other representation, I woul...

Michael Bartliff
Verified Verified

Finding the courage to sieze an opportunity to leave an abusive marriage, I knew I needed a solicitor I could trust. Having know Matthew for a number of years and working alongside him professionally, there was no one else I would have turned to. Matthew and his team were fantastic. I felt supported...

Carly Devon-Brough
Verified Verified

I’d firstly like to thank Paul and team for the support during a difficult time. First class professional who knows his job that good. Fully recommend MMA as they are supportive and really know what to do and the win. Wish you all the very best. 100%.

Michael Thompson
Verified Verified

I would definatly reccomend. They have all been so helpful, understanding and caring throughout. My divorce is now complete and i am really happy with the service i recieved. Thank you.

Zoe Leech
Verified Verified

I can whole heartedly endorse Melissa and the rest of the team at McGee McGee Agar Law. The outstanding professionalism in which my case was handled was second to none. The swift and timely updates to any questions or changes throughout the process of my case was extremely appreciated. But most of a...

Anonymous
Verified Verified

MMA are a fantastic Law firm if you require representation on any matter. Communication is key in all instances and MMA did not fail at all. They have all the resources available to cover any situation you require. Thanks Matthew and team for all your help.

Paul Dilks
Verified Verified

Highly recommend McGee McGee .they took my case on after I had spent a lot of money on a big well known solicitors. Very straight forward to work with and easily contactable.I will be recommending this company to any one who is in need of expert advice and help . Thankyou to you all

Lee Dale
Verified Verified

I can't praise paul enough. He was always at hand for anything I needed, his expertise and knowledge are outstanding. I would highly recommend McGee Agar Law. You will not be disappointed

Simon Wright
Verified Verified

An extremely professional and personable service from Matthew Agar! Advice and communication was above and beyond, and nothing was too much trouble. A different level of legal service in the local area and would highly recommend to anyone who needs legal help or advice and wants a reliable, person...

Lesley
Verified Verified

I have recently been represented by Matthew Agar in a family matter regarding the custody arrangements for my children. The information, advice and guidance provided to me by Matthew has been nothing short of outstanding. I spoke to several solicitors before instructing Matthew. Despite ther...

Anonymous

Get your free 30 minute consultation

Speak with one of our Specialist Solicitors in Criminal or Family Law.

Here at MMA Law we strive to offer same day appointments and we will make one of our expert Solicitors available to you.

© Copyright 2018 - 2025 McGee McGee Agar Law Ltd