Charged With Robbery in South Australia - What Happens Now?

By James Stevens, Director and Solicitor, Go To Court Lawyers. Last reviewed 10 April 2026.

A robbery charge in South Australia is one of the most serious criminal allegations you can face. This is an indictable offence that carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment, with armed robbery carrying life imprisonment. The prosecution will oppose bail in most cases, meaning you could be held in custody until trial. Contact Go To Court Lawyers immediately on 1300 636 846 - every hour matters when facing robbery charges.

Do You Need a Lawyer?

Yes, absolutely. Robbery charges in South Australia are among the most serious offences in the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA). Without expert legal representation, you face almost certain imprisonment if convicted. The police and prosecutors treat robbery as a priority offence, often refusing bail and pushing for custodial sentences even for first-time offenders.

A criminal defence lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, prepare bail applications, and identify defences you may not know exist. Our lawyers have successfully defended hundreds of robbery cases across South Australia, securing bail for clients initially refused, having charges reduced from armed to unarmed robbery, and achieving suspended sentences where imprisonment seemed inevitable.

The difference between self-representation and expert legal help is often the difference between freedom and years behind bars. The prosecution has a team of lawyers working against you - you need experienced advocates on your side.

What Happens Next - The Process

Here's exactly what occurs after robbery charges in South Australia:

1. Police interview and charging - You'll be arrested, interviewed under caution, and formally charged. Exercise your right to silence until you have legal representation.
2. First court appearance - Usually within 48 hours at the Adelaide Magistrates Court or relevant regional court. Bail will be considered at this hearing.
3. Bail application - Given the serious nature of robbery, the prosecution typically opposes bail. Your lawyer must present compelling arguments about community ties, employment, and lack of flight risk.
4. Case management - If bailed, you'll return to court for mentions while your lawyer examines the prosecution evidence and prepares your defence.
5. Committal proceedings - Robbery charges proceed to the District Court. The magistrate determines if sufficient evidence exists for trial.
6. District Court trial - Judge and jury trial where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. This can occur 6-18 months after initial charges.
7. Sentencing - If convicted, the judge considers factors like planning, violence used, value stolen, and your criminal history when imposing penalty.

Each stage presents opportunities for an experienced lawyer to protect your interests. Don't navigate this complex process alone - call 1300 636 846 for immediate assistance.

The Law in South Australia

Robbery in South Australia is governed by Section 137 of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA). The law distinguishes between several key offences:

Basic robbery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment. This involves stealing while using force or threatening immediate force against any person, or stealing immediately before or after using such force.

Armed robbery under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This applies when robbery is committed while armed with an offensive weapon, or in company with others where any person is armed.

The key difference from stealing is the element of force or threat of force. Simple theft involves taking someone else's property without consent, intending to permanently deprive them. Robbery adds the crucial element of violence or threatened violence, making it dramatically more serious in the eyes of the law.

Under Section 134 of the Act, basic theft carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, but robbery's additional violence element increases maximum penalties to 15 years or life. This distinction reflects society's view that crimes involving violence against people are far more serious than property crimes alone.

The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you committed both theft AND used or threatened force. An experienced lawyer can challenge either element to defend the charges.

Mistakes to Avoid

These critical mistakes can destroy your defence and lead to harsher penalties:

1. Speaking to police without a lawyer present. We've seen countless clients make admissions during police interviews that seemed innocent but became crucial prosecution evidence. Police are trained interrogators - you're not trained to resist their techniques. Even saying "I was there but didn't do anything" can establish presence at the crime scene and undermine alibi defences.

2. Assuming video evidence proves guilt. Clients often believe CCTV footage showing them near the scene means conviction is inevitable. In reality, we regularly challenge video evidence on grounds of quality, timing, identification, and context. One recent case involved supposed "clear footage" of our client committing armed robbery - expert analysis revealed the person was 20cm taller than our client.

3. Pleading guilty to avoid trial stress without exploring defences. Robbery charges often involve complex factual situations where defences exist. Self-defence, duress, mistaken identity, lack of intent to steal, or absence of force/threat can all result in acquittal. We've had clients initially wanting to plead guilty who were ultimately acquitted after proper investigation.

4. Ignoring bail conditions or failing to appear. Breaching bail on serious charges like robbery results in immediate custody and makes future bail applications nearly impossible. Courts take a dim view of anyone who fails to appear on indictable matters.

5. Discussing the case on social media or with friends. Anything you post online or tell others can become evidence against you. Prosecution lawyers regularly subpoena social media records and call witnesses about conversations. Maintain complete silence about the case except with your lawyer.

Likely Outcomes and Costs

With expert legal representation: Early intervention can result in charges being downgraded, withdrawn, or successfully defended at trial. Our lawyers have achieved suspended sentences for clients facing robbery charges, particularly where minimal violence was involved or circumstances were exceptional. Even when conviction occurs, skilled advocacy can mean the difference between immediate imprisonment and community service.

Without proper representation: Courts impose custodial sentences in approximately 85% of robbery convictions in South Australia. First-time offenders often receive 2-4 years imprisonment for unarmed robbery, with armed robbery typically resulting in 4-8 years for first offences. Career criminals face much longer terms.

Legal costs: Our fixed-fee consultation is $295, providing immediate clarity about your situation and options. Full representation for robbery charges typically ranges from $15,000-$35,000 depending on complexity, though this varies significantly based on whether the matter resolves early or proceeds to District Court trial.

Compare this to the true cost of inadequate representation: Years of lost income, destroyed career prospects, relationship breakdown, and the personal cost of imprisonment. The investment in proper legal representation pays for itself many times over when it keeps you out of prison.

Time is critical - evidence preservation, witness memories, and early prosecution negotiations all favour swift action. Call 1300 636 846 today to protect your future.

How Go To Court Lawyers Can Help

As Australia's largest legal service with 800+ lawyers nationally, Go To Court Lawyers has defended robbery charges across every South Australian court. Our Adelaide-based criminal defence team appears regularly in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, District Court, and regional courts throughout the state.

Our track record includes: Successful bail applications for clients initially refused bail, charges withdrawn after early intervention with prosecutors, armed robbery charges reduced to basic theft, and not guilty verdicts in complex jury trials.

Immediate support: Our 24/7 hotline 1300 636 846 connects you directly with criminal lawyers who understand South Australian robbery law. We can attend police stations for interviews, appear at urgent bail hearings, and begin building your defence immediately.

Fixed-fee consultation: For just $295, you'll receive clear advice about your charges, likely outcomes, defence options, and next steps. This consultation can often be arranged within hours, even on weekends and public holidays.

Proven results: With 4.5 stars from 780+ client reviews, our clients consistently report we exceeded their expectations in serious criminal matters. We combine aggressive advocacy with realistic advice to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Robbery charges don't resolve themselves - they require immediate, expert intervention. Every day you delay gives the prosecution more time to build their case while your opportunities for early resolution diminish.

Don't let robbery charges destroy your future. Call 1300 636 846 now, book online at gotocourt.com.au/book, or request urgent help today. Your freedom depends on the decisions you make right now.