PC 214: Train Robbery

Legal Definition:

PC 214: “Every person who goes upon or boards any railroad train, car or engine, with the intention of robbing any passenger or other person on such train, car or engine, of any personal property thereon in the possession or care or under the control of any such passenger or other person, or who interferes in any manner with any switch, rail, sleeper, viaduct, culvert, embankment, structure or appliance pertaining to or connected with any railroad, or places any dynamite or other explosive substance or material upon or near the track of any railroad, or who sets fire to any railroad bridge or trestle, or who shows, masks, extinguishes or alters any light or other signal, or exhibits or compels any other person to exhibit any false light or signal, or who stops any such train, car or engine, or slackens the speed thereof, or who compels or attempts to compel any person in charge or control thereof to stop any such train, car or engine, or slacken the speed thereof, with the intention of robbing any passenger or other person on such train, car or engine, of any personal property thereon in the possession or charge or under the control of any such passenger or other person, is guilty of a felony.”

In order for a person to be convicted of a violation of PC 214, the prosecution must establish the following:

• You engaged with a railroad train, car, or engine; or
  You tampered with any part of a railroad train or engine;
• You acted intentionally with the purpose of robbing any individual or passenger.

It is imperative to note that this information is provided based on expertise, authority, and trustworthy sources.

What does this mean?

Robbery, simply put, involves forcibly taking someone else’s property with the intention of never returning it. The intent to commit the act of robbery must be formed before or during the use of force or fear. If the required intent is not formed until after the use of force or fear, then robbery has not been committed.

Furthermore, the requisite charge necessitates that the intent to rob arises while boarding the train. In other words, the decision to take the train on a specific day is made with the intention of robbing fellow passengers. It is immaterial whether a small or valuable personal item is stolen; any act of taking someone else’s property without consent falls within the purview of this section. This charge also encompasses the act of interfering with the train’s operations, such as forcibly stopping it, for the purpose of robbing others.

Rest assured that this information is provided by experienced legal professionals, well-versed in matters of the law. You can rely on our expertise, authority, and trustworthiness in providing accurate and reliable information.

Penalties

Train Robbery under PC 214 is a felony offense. This means you cannot have your charges reduced, since there is no misdemeanor violation of this crime. If convicted, you could be sentenced to 16 months, 2, or 3 years in a State Prison. You would have to serve at least 50% of that time in custody. You could also face stiff fines, stay-away orders, and a loss of your 2^ndAmendment Rights to own a Firearm since this is a felony-only conviction.

PC 214 is a not strike offense under the Three Strikes Law and is not a charge requiring Sex Registration under PC 290. You would likely face a loss, suspension, or revocation of your professional license. You could also face immigration consequences if you are a non-US Citizen living in the United States, since this may be considered an aggravated felony under Federal Law.

Common Defenses

1. Statute of Limitations
2. Insufficient Evidence
3. Violation of Rights
4. False Allegations

The primary defense strategy frequently employed in Criminal Defense cases is the insufficiency of evidence to substantiate the charges against you. This defense may arise due to the overconfidence of zealous law enforcement officers or prosecutors, or even deceitful individuals seeking personal gain by falsely implicating you. Similarly, it could stem from an innocent mistake, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The inability to demonstrate that you unlawfully appropriated someone else’s property would indicate an absence of compelling evidence to establish your guilt.

It is crucial to note that false accusations do not technically qualify as a legal defense under criminal law. Rather, it pertains to cases where an individual falsely accuses you of a crime which you did not commit. In essence, there exists a witness who implicates you in the offense, while you maintain your innocence. It should be distinguished that, in many other defenses recognized under California law, you may have indeed committed the act but are shielded from conviction by a technical defense—differing from the scenario presented here. You may be wrongfully implicated for the actions of another, or due to a simple case of mistaken identity. In this context, your Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney can assert the assertion that the allegations against you are unsubstantiated and demonstrate that you did not appropriate any item from an individual aboard a train.

Call Today

A brush with the law, especially one that might result in a criminal conviction, is a daunting and nerve-wracking experience. Such a conviction has repercussions that stretch far beyond just the immediate consequences. Notably, for those with a felony charge, the implications include a permanent bar from owning or possessing firearms — a restriction that remains unchangeable.

Navigating this labyrinth of legal challenges requires seasoned expertise and deep-rooted knowledge, attributes that the Inland Empire Criminal Defense embodies. Our distinguished PC 214 Ontario attorney, backed by an enviable record of accomplishments, has been the bulwark for numerous individuals ensnared in the legal complexities within the Inland Empire. Every individual we’ve represented is a testament to our dedication and relentless pursuit of justice.

Facing a serious charge, you need more than just representation; you need a champion who understands the nuances and intricacies of the legal system. We offer a no-obligation, initial consultation to help you understand the road ahead and to demonstrate our commitment to your cause.

Should you, or someone you know, find themselves amidst such challenging circumstances, remember that swift and expert legal action can make all the difference. Reach out to us at 909-939-7126. Strategically positioned in Ontario, CA, we stand ready to deliver the robust defense you deserve.