When most people think about criminal cases like robbery, they often focus on the potential jail time. But the story doesn’t end there. In fact, the financial impact of a robbery case—especially one that ends in a conviction—can be just as devastating as the sentence itself. If you or someone close to you is facing robbery charges in Texas, it’s important to look beyond the courtroom. Because even after the verdict is read, the costs are only just beginning.
In this guide, we’ll explore the full picture of what happens financially when someone loses a robbery case in a Texas court. We’ll walk through court fines, restitution, loss of income, long-term consequences, and the ripple effects on housing, employment, and credit. We’ll keep it straightforward, with real-life examples and an easy-to-follow tone—because the financial impact of a robbery case shouldn’t be something you learn the hard way.
Robbery Charges in Texas: A Quick Overview
What You’re Up Against Before the Money Starts Flowing Out
Before we dig into the money side of things, it’s worth understanding what robbery means in Texas law. Under Texas Penal Code §29.02, robbery occurs when a person commits theft and, in the process, intentionally causes bodily injury or threatens imminent harm.
If a deadly weapon is involved, it becomes aggravated robbery—a first-degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years in prison.
For non-aggravated robbery, the charge is typically a second-degree felony, which carries 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
These penalties don’t just represent time behind bars. They signal the beginning of a long road of financial consequences, many of which aren’t obvious upfront.
Court Fees and Fines: The First Hit
The Immediate Cost of a Conviction
One of the most direct components of the financial impact of a robbery case is the cost of the court process itself. Even if you qualify for a court-appointed attorney, that doesn’t mean everything is free.
Common fees after a robbery conviction include:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Court administrative fees ($300–$1,000 on average)
- Court-appointed attorney reimbursement
- Clerk fees, docketing fees, and lab fees
- Probation supervision fees (if applicable)
In many counties across Texas, defendants are expected to pay these fees even if they are sentenced to prison. Failure to do so can result in additional penalties or restrictions post-release.
Example:
In Bexar County, a 22-year-old convicted of robbery received 10 years of probation and a $7,500 fine. His monthly probation fee was $60. Over a decade, he paid over $14,000 in court-related costs alone—even without serving a day in prison.
Restitution to Victims: A Legal Requirement
Paying Back for the Crime—Literally
If the robbery involved a victim who suffered financial loss or medical expenses, the court may order restitution. This is a legally enforceable payment made by the defendant to the victim as part of sentencing.
Restitution may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages due to injury
- Property damage or replacement
- Counseling or therapy
Unlike fines (which go to the state), restitution goes directly to the victim. Courts take it seriously—and failing to pay can result in parole violations or additional jail time.
This is one of the most personal ways that the financial impact of a robbery case plays out, because it forces offenders to face the financial toll of their actions on someone else.
Cost of Legal Representation
Defense Is Never Cheap
Even if you’re innocent or wrongly accused, the price of a good defense is steep. In Texas, felony defense attorneys typically charge:
- $5,000–$10,000 for basic representation
- $20,000–$50,000+ for complex trials or aggravated robbery cases
Pre-trial motions, investigations, expert witnesses, and lengthy trials all add to the final bill. And if you want to appeal the conviction, that’s a separate cost entirely.
Many families go into debt trying to defend a loved one in court. And even with a payment plan, these costs can hang over your head for years.
Bail and Bond Fees
Freedom Before Trial Isn’t Free
Texas allows defendants to be released on bond before trial, but it’s not always affordable.
- Typical bond for a robbery case: $20,000–$100,000
- Bond companies often require 10% upfront, which is non-refundable
That means a defendant with a $50,000 bond will need $5,000 cash just to walk free before their case is resolved. And if they violate bond conditions, that money is gone with no refund.
For many families, this upfront financial burden hits hardest, especially if the case stretches out for months or longer.
Loss of Income and Employment
The Long-Term Cost of a Felony
Let’s say you’re convicted and sentenced to prison—or even probation. What happens to your job? Your ability to earn?
The answer is simple: you lose it.
Felony robbery charges in Texas create a criminal record that follows you for life unless sealed (which is very rare). That record makes it harder to:
- Get hired in most industries
- Maintain or renew professional licenses
- Qualify for government jobs or military enlistment
- Pass background checks for new employment
- Secure stable gig work or housing
For someone earning $40,000 a year, losing even two years of income due to incarceration means $80,000 gone. Add in missed career growth, lost retirement savings, and job re-entry struggles, and the financial impact of a robbery case grows exponentially.
Incarceration Costs: Paying While Locked Up
Yes, Prison Comes With a Bill
Most people assume that prison is “free” for inmates, but that’s far from true. Inmates and their families often face:
- Commissary expenses for basic hygiene items and snacks
- Phone call fees ($0.20–$1 per minute)
- Visitation travel expenses for family
- Medical co-pays
- Fines and court fees deducted from inmate accounts
If the defendant has children or dependents, child support obligations may continue while incarcerated—adding to the financial strain.
Impact on Family Members
Collateral Damage That’s Hard to Measure
The financial impact of a robbery case doesn’t end with the defendant. Families bear the brunt of the burden, especially when:
- A parent is removed from the household
- Bail, lawyer fees, and court costs strain household finances
- Dependents rely on government assistance to survive
- Savings are wiped out to cover restitution or fines
Emotional stress also translates into economic strain—missed work, mental health therapy, and lost time with loved ones.
Real-Life Example:
In El Paso, a mother of three spent her entire emergency savings trying to defend her son against an aggravated robbery charge. He was ultimately convicted and sentenced to five years. She took a second job to keep up with rent and help cover his commissary needs.
Long-Term Financial Fallout After Release
Freedom Doesn’t Equal Financial Recovery
After a robbery conviction and release from prison, life doesn’t just go back to normal. Former offenders often face:
- High insurance rates (especially for auto coverage)
- Barriers to student loans or scholarships
- Difficulty securing housing due to background checks
- Limited access to financial aid or grants
- Debt collections from unpaid court or legal fees
And while some programs exist to help reenter society, they don’t erase the debt or stigma that follow you. In many ways, the financial impact of a robbery case lingers longer than the criminal sentence.
Civil Lawsuits After a Criminal Conviction
When the Costs Keep Rising
In some cases, a robbery conviction can open the door to civil lawsuits. A victim may sue for damages—even after the criminal trial ends. These damages may include:
- Emotional trauma
- Medical expenses
- Property loss
- Punitive damages
And if you lose that case too? You could be liable for tens of thousands of additional dollars. While not common in every case, this is a real risk that adds to the mounting financial impact of a robbery case.
Is Restitution Dischargeable in Bankruptcy?
Spoiler: It’s Not
Many people assume they can file bankruptcy to escape the mountain of debt following a robbery conviction. But under both Texas and federal law, criminal restitution and court fines are not dischargeable.
That means:
- You cannot wipe away court-ordered victim payments
- You can’t eliminate government fines or surcharges
- You must keep paying, even if you file Chapter 7 or 13
The debt follows you—forever.
Alternatives That Might Reduce Financial Burden
When Legal Strategy Makes a Difference
A strong legal defense can help reduce the financial fallout by:
- Getting charges reduced (e.g., from robbery to theft)
- Negotiating for probation instead of jail time
- Avoiding enhancements (e.g., weapons, priors)
- Keeping fines and restitution within a manageable range
Example:
In Tarrant County, a 20-year-old college student charged with robbery agreed to a plea deal that reduced the charge to misdemeanor theft. His lawyer argued the threat of force was minimal, and no weapon was used. He served 6 months of probation, paid $2,000 in fines, and avoided a felony conviction.
Final Thoughts on the Financial Impact of Robbery Case in Texas
A robbery conviction is more than just a legal punishment—it’s a financial sentence that can stretch for years, if not a lifetime. From court fines and attorney fees to job loss and family strain, the financial impact of a robbery case can be overwhelming.
But it’s not hopeless. With early legal advice, a solid defense strategy, and an understanding of what lies ahead, defendants and families can prepare—not panic.
If you’re facing robbery charges or know someone who is, focus on the big picture. The financial side of the case is just as important as the legal one. Plan accordingly, ask questions, and above all—don’t go through it alone.
