An 18-year-old woman from Hagerstown, Maryland has been charged in connection with a robbery that occurred last month. She is a state witness for a homicide that was committed against her boyfriend in October.

The victim in the robbery claims that two women walked up to her and asked her for a dollar and a cigarette before trying to take the victim's purse. One of the women involved in the robbery, a 19-year-old, grabbed the wallet and was charged in the case as well.

The 18-year-old was charged with robbery, second-degree assault, two conspiracy charges for assault and robbery, and theft of less than $100 dollars. One thing to remember in these criminal defense cases is that many times the person involved in the case gets overcharged. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but sometimes the punishment handed out does not fit the crime.

The 18-year-old woman in this case faces up to 10 years in jail just for the second-degree assault charge. The penalty seems extensive for a young woman who recently saw the murder of her boyfriend and most certainly is under increased stress because of her status as a witness. She was jailed on December 31 in connection with the robbery.

Being charged with a crime is a stressful and difficult time, and you want to have the situation resolved as quickly and effectively as possible. A criminal defense attorney can expedite your case and provide you with the guidance and support necessary to handle your criminal matter.

Source: The Herald-Mail, "Bond remains at $50,000 for woman charged in strong-arm robbery," Don Aines, Jan. 4, 2012