Burglary, Robbery, & Armed Robbery
(OCGA § 16-7-1 & § 16-8-40 et seq.)

Burglary, Robbery, & Armed Robbery in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-7-1 & § 16-8-40 et seq.)

Understanding Burglary & Robbery Offenses Under Georgia Law

Burglary and robbery are serious property crimes in Atlanta, Georgia, often involving unlawful entry, force, or intimidation. These offenses carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, felony records, and loss of civil rights.

Under OCGA § 16-7-1 & § 16-8-40 et seq., burglary and robbery charges are classified based on:

  • The presence of force or threats
  • Use of weapons
  • Intent to commit additional crimes

At Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney, our firm provides strong legal defense for individuals facing burglary and robbery charges in Atlanta, Georgia. A conviction can permanently alter your future, and we aggressively fight to protect your rights, challenge the prosecution’s case, and seek the best possible outcome.

  • How the theft occurs
  • The value of the stolen property
  • Whether force, deception, or fraud was used

At Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney, our firm provides aggressive legal defense for individuals facing theft-related charges in Atlanta, Georgia. Theft offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, carrying steep fines, prison time, and lasting consequences on employment and reputation.

1. Burglary in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-7-1)

Definition:

  • Burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters or remains in a building, vehicle, or structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft.

Key Elements:

  • Unlawful entry or remaining inside a structure
  • Intent to commit theft, a felony, or another crime inside
  • Force is not required—breaking a window, picking a lock, or simply entering unlawfully qualifies

Degrees of Burglary:

  • First-Degree Burglary: Unlawful entry into a dwelling (home, apartment, residence)
  • Second-Degree Burglary: Unlawful entry into a non-residential building (store, warehouse, office)

Examples:

  • Breaking into a home to steal valuables
  • Entering a closed business after hours with intent to commit theft
  • Crawling into an open window without permission to take property

Penalties (OCGA § 16-7-1(b)):

  • First-Degree Burglary (Residential)
    • Felony, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison
  • Second-Degree Burglary (Non-Residential)
    • Felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison

Burglary does not require the use of force or theft to be completed. Even entering a home without stealing anything can lead to a felony burglary conviction. Our firm works to challenge intent, prove mistaken identity, or negotiate charge reductions.

 

2. Robbery in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-8-40)

Definition:

  • Robbery occurs when a person takes property from another person by use of force, intimidation, or sudden snatching. Unlike burglary, robbery involves direct confrontation with the victim.

Key Elements:

  • Theft of property directly from the victim
  • Use of force, threats, or intimidation
  • Physical presence of the victim during the act

Types of Robbery in Georgia:

  • By Use of Force – Physically assaulting or overpowering a victim to take their belongings
  • By Intimidation or Threats – Verbally threatening someone into handing over property
  • By Sudden Snatching – Taking property directly from the victim’s hands or body

Examples:

  • Grabbing someone’s purse and running away
  • Telling a store clerk, “Give me the money or else”
  • Pushing a person down and taking their wallet or phone

Penalties (OCGA § 16-8-40(b)):

  • Felony, punishable by 1 to 20 years in prison
  • 10-year minimum sentence if committed against an elderly person (65+ years old)

Robbery does not require the use of a weapon, but the presence of force or intimidation makes it a serious felony. Our firm works to disprove threats, argue mistaken identity, or seek reduced charges.

3. Armed Robbery in Atlanta, Georgia (OCGA § 16-8-41)

Definition:

  • Armed robbery is the most serious theft offense in Georgia, occurring when a person commits robbery while using a deadly weapon or an object that appears to be a weapon.

Key Elements:

  • Taking property from a victim
  • Use of a weapon (or an object appearing to be a weapon)
  • Intent to permanently deprive the victim of the property

Examples:

  • Holding a store clerk at gunpoint and demanding cash
  • Using a fake gun or threatening to shoot a victim
  • Robbing a bank with a knife or firearm

Penalties (OCGA § 16-8-41(b)):

  • Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
  • Sentence of 10 to 20 years, life imprisonment, or the death penalty
  • No parole eligibility for at least 10 years

Because of its severe penalties, an armed robbery charge requires an immediate legal defense. Our firm fights to challenge weapon evidence, prove false accusations, or negotiate reduced sentences.

4. Defending Against Burglary & Robbery Charges in Atlanta, Georgia

Being charged with burglary or robbery does not guarantee a conviction. Our firm thoroughly investigates every aspect of the case to find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence and build a strong defense strategy.

Common Defenses to Burglary & Robbery Charges:

  • Lack of Intent (Burglary Defense) – The accused did not intend to commit a crime inside the building
  • Mistaken Identity – The defendant was wrongfully accused, and the state lacks clear evidence
  • False Accusations – The alleged victim exaggerated or fabricated the incident
  • No Weapon (Armed Robbery Defense) – The prosecution must prove a weapon was actually present or used
  • Unlawful Search & Seizure – Police violated constitutional rights by illegally obtaining evidence

A successful defense can result in dismissal, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options.

Why Choose Khalil Eaddy Trial Attorney?

Burglary, robbery, and armed robbery convictions carry life-changing consequences, making it critical to have an experienced legal defense. Our firm is committed to fighting for clients’ rights, challenging weak evidence, and negotiating favorable outcomes.

Our Approach:

  • Comprehensive Investigation – Analyzing surveillance footage, police reports, and forensic evidence to uncover inconsistencies
  • Expert Witness Testimony – Using forensic specialists, security experts, and eyewitness credibility assessments to challenge the prosecution’s case
  • Aggressive Pre-Trial Motion Practice – Filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and seeking case dismissals where appropriate
  • Negotiation & Trial Readiness – Whether negotiating a plea deal for reduced sentencing or taking the case to trial, we are prepared for every possible outcome

If you or a loved one is facing burglary or robbery charges in Atlanta, Georgia, securing strong legal representation early is essential.

Call 770-303-0700 today for a confidential consultation and start building your defense.

Give Us A Call

770-303-0700

Contact us

Khalil@attorneyeaddy.com

Office Location

1827 Powers Ferry Rd. Building 25, Suite 100.

Our firm is committed to fighting for justice, challenging weak evidence, and ensuring that your constitutional rights are upheld at every stage of the legal process.

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