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Overview of Burglary, Armed Robbery, Larceny, Shoplifting and Theft

Distinguishing Among Property Crimes

Most property crimes are closely related, and the differences that set them apart can be slight.  But if you are charged with a crime, those differences become very important to you.  Such differences can have a huge impact on the length of the sentence you could face or the way your trial proceeds.

When you need a Canton, Georgia theft attorney

Theft in Georgia is a broad term that encompasses several different crimes:

  • Theft by taking
  • Theft by deception
  • Theft by conversion
  • Theft of services
  • Theft by shoplifting
  • Theft by extortion

A person is guilty of theft in Georgia when he or she takes property belonging to another while intending to permanently deprive the rightful owner of that property.  Theft in Georgia is generally a misdemeanor, a crime punishable by imprisonment of one year or less.  However, a stiffer sentence applies in certain situations:

  • Theft of property worth $500 or more – one to ten years in prison
  • Theft of firearms or explosives – one to ten years in prison
  • Theft of a car or car part worth $300 or more – one to ten years in prison
  • Theft of a commercial vehicle and cargo – three to ten years in prison and a $5,000 to $50,000 fine

Theft by shoplifting is also a misdemeanor.  A person commits theft by shoplifting when he or she conceals or alters goods in a store with the intent to remove the goods without paying or while paying less than the stated price.

When you need a Canton, Georgia robbery attorney

Robbery is closely related to theft.  A person is guilty of robbery when that person commits theft by using physical force or the threat of force.  Robbery is punishable by one to 20 years in prison.  A stiffer sentence of five to 20 years applies if the victim is 65 or older.

A person is guilty of armed robbery when he or she commits robbery with a weapon or an object meant to appear as a weapon, such as a toy gun or other replica.  The penalties for armed robbery in Georgia are very strict.  A person convicted of armed robbery may face execution, life in prison, or ten to 20 years in prison, depending on the circumstances.

When you need a Canton, Georgia burglary attorney

Burglary occurs when a person enters the residence of another person or any structure designed as a residence without the owner’s permission.  The person enters the residence intending to commit a felony, such as theft or robbery, while inside.  Burglary is punishable by one to 20 years in prison.

A person may also be convicted of smash-and-grab burglary if he or she enters a store without permission and intending to commit a theft and in doing so causes more than $500 in damage.  Smash and grab burglary is punishable by two to 20 years in prison and a fine less than $100,000.

Contact the law office of Jeff Heller, Attorney at Law

Jeff Heller, Canton lawyer, is one of Georgia’s premier bankruptcy, criminal defense, family law, and estate planning attorneys in Canton.  He takes pride in his profession and offers fairness, honesty, and personal attention to every client.  Contact him at (678) 992-4346 or complete the online web form.