A Wisconsin Rapids teenager entered a guilty plea to three charges related to the armed robbery of a neighborhood restaurant. In conjunction with the plea, the district attorney's office recommended time in custody for five years. He has already been detained for about 18 months. However, he could be sentenced to a maximum prison term of almost 60 years.
The judge may use discretion, go against the plea agreement and increase or decrease the prison sentence after further investigation of the 18-year-old's character. The courts will review a presentence report to be prepared for the defendant's sentencing. Five additional charges were dismissed or went uncharged, but were read into court records.
According to authorities, the man confronted two employees with a handgun at a local fast food restaurant. One employee opened the safe and handed over about $2,400 to the teenager in addition to checks made out to the establishment. He allegedly took identification from the workers and hit one of them with the butt of his gun.
In a case when a defendant faces multiple charges, a criminal defense attorney often attempts to have the courts combine offenses or dismiss charges. The lawyer may also request that any sentences run concurrently, or at the same time, instead of consecutively, or back-to-back. Consecutive sentences are "stacked" on top of each other and, therefore, increase the total amount of time one would serve. An attorney can discuss case strategy with the client in order to work toward the best possible outcome.
Source: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, "Man pleads guilty to armed robbery of Wisconsin Rapids Taco John's," Karen Madden, Nov. 5, 2012
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