Southern California Defense Blog

Approaching the release of the highly anticipated video game, "Call of Duty: Black Ops," two men armed with semi-automatic weapons held up a Gamestop and made off with over 100 copies of the game.

The robbery took place on Saturday as the employees of the Baltimore-area gaming retail store was closing shop for the night. Although no one was injured, the bandits reportedly took cash, some video game consoles, and over 100 copies of the unreleased first-person-shooter. They then fled the scene in a white mini-van.

Having hit stores yesterday, "Call of Duty: Black Ops" retails at $60. Designed by video game developer, Treyarch, this first-person-shooter puts players in the boots of a foot soldier during the Cold War. In the single-player campaign, players can use an arsenal of weapons from that era to engage in battle missions based on actual historic events. With a mature rating, "Call of Duty" features graphic violence that includes ample amounts of blood and dismemberment.

This heist marks the second Gamestop retailer in the area to be robbed in anticipation of the release. The Hartford County Sheriff’s department believes that the incidents are related and are investigating the matter.

Robbery is a serious criminal offense in California that carries with it the possibility of heavy penalties and fines. Under California Penal Code 211, robbery is defined as the unlawful taking of another person’s property from their immediate possession or presence – against their will – with the use of force or threats.

Robbery is always prosecuted as a felony offense. The severity of the penalties will depend on the circumstances of the incident. If convicted of first-degree robbery in which you willfully acted with two or more other people, the penalty may result in a three, six, or nine-year sentence in state prison. Any other first-degree conviction may result in a three, four, or six-year sentence. Second-degree robbery, which includes all other circumstances in which the robbery does not take place in an inhabited home or commercial vehicle, is punishable by imprisonment for two, three, or five years in state prison.

A robbery charge is serious. It can lead to costly and debilitating consequences. If you are facing robbery charges, it is imperative that you seek the legal counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Wallin & Klarich, our Orange County attorneys have amassed over 30 years of experience in handling robbery cases and will put that experience to use in defending you in your case. Call us today at 877-466-5245 or visit us online at www.wklaw.com. We will be there for you when you call.