There are many key differences between burglary and robbery in Georgia. To learn more, continue reading and reach out to our skilled Cobb County criminal defense lawyer today. Our legal team is on your side no matter what you are facing.
What is burglary in Georgia?
Georgia defines burglary as when an individual unlawfully enters a structure (such as a home or business) with the intent to commit a crime inside. Contrary to popular belief, burglary does not only refer to crimes involving theft. Even if the perpetrator enters a structure with the intent to commit other crimes such as assault or kidnapping without ever doing so, they will still likely encounter burglary charges.
What are the consequences of burglary?
Burglary charges are not handled lightly in Georgia. If you are facing burglary charges, you will likely encounter the following penalties:
- First-Degree Burglary: First-degree burglary is deemed as a felony. First-degree burglary is punishable by up to 20 years of prison time.
- Second-Degree Burglary: Second-degree burglary is considered a felony. Second-degree burglary is punishable by up to 5 years of prison time.
- Smash and Grab Burglary: Smash and grab burglary is considered a felony. Smash and grab burglary is punishable by up to 20 years of prison time and up to $100,000 in fines.
What is robbery in Georgia?
In Georgia, the law defines robbery as taking property directly from another person or in their immediate presence by:
- use of force
- use of intimidation, threat, or coercion
- placing the person in fear of serious bodily injury to him or herself or another, or
- sudden snatching.
Furthermore, an armed robbery adds the factor of using or seeming to use a weapon in the execution of a crime. The weapon does not need to be real or working. Using a fake (even a toy) gun is still considered an armed robbery, and so does keeping a hand concealed while threatening to shoot a victim.
What are the consequences of robbery?
A person who commits robbery faces severe felony penalties. The potential prison sentence increases as the threat of harm increases. The consequences include the following:
- Robbery: A person convicted of robbery faces one to 20 years in prison. If the robbery victim is 65 or older, the crime has a minimum prison sentence of five years.
- Armed robbery: Armed robbery is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of ten years and up to life imprisonment. A conviction for armed robbery is considered a “serious violent felony.”
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