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Marietta Criminal Defense Lawyer / Marietta Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer

Marietta Theft Crimes Defense Lawyer

At Arca Law, our experienced legal team defends clients facing a range of theft-related charges in Marietta and throughout Cobb County and beyond. Theft crimes in Georgia carry serious consequences, including substantial fines, imprisonment, and long-term impacts on your personal and professional life. If you or a loved one has been charged with a theft crime, it is critical to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side. Our skilled legal team offers strategic, aggressive defense to protect your rights and freedom. Contact us today to review your case and get honest, straightforward advice from an experienced and compassionate Marietta theft crimes defense lawyer.

Burglary (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1)

Burglary in Georgia is defined as entering or remaining unlawfully in a building, dwelling, or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft once inside. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1, burglary is categorized into two degrees:

  • First-degree burglary applies when the unlawful entry involves a dwelling, which can be a house or any structure designed for residential use. A conviction for first-degree burglary is classified as a felony, punishable by one to 20 years in prison for a first offense, with more severe penalties for subsequent convictions.
  • Second-degree burglary involves unlawful entry into non-residential structures, such as businesses or warehouses. This offense is also a felony, with a possible sentence of one to five years in prison for a first-time offense, escalating for repeat offenders.

Our defense strategies aim to challenge the evidence against you, including whether you had the intent to commit a crime upon entering the premises and whether the entry itself was unlawful.

Robbery (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-41 and O.C.G.A. § 16-8-42)

Robbery involves taking property from another person through the use of force, intimidation, or sudden snatching. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-41, Georgia recognizes three primary forms of robbery:

  • Robbery by force: The use of physical force to take property.
  • Robbery by intimidation: Using threats or coercion to induce fear and compel someone to hand over property.
  • Robbery by sudden snatching: Swiftly taking property, such as grabbing a purse or wallet, without the use of physical force or a weapon.

Robbery is a felony offense, and penalties range from one to 20 years in prison depending on the circumstances. However, if the robbery involves a weapon or serious bodily harm, the charge can be elevated to armed robbery under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-42, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison. Our firm is skilled in evaluating whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove robbery or armed robbery, and we work tirelessly to pursue a reduction or dismissal of charges.

Shoplifting (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14)

Shoplifting in Georgia is governed by O.C.G.A. § 16-8-14, which covers a range of activities intended to steal merchandise from a retail establishment. These include:

  • Concealing or taking possession of merchandise.
  • Altering the price tag.
  • Transferring merchandise from one container to another to avoid paying the full price.
  • Wrongfully causing the amount paid to be less than the actual price.

Shoplifting can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen goods. For items valued at $500 or less, shoplifting is typically classified as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $1,000. If the value of the merchandise exceeds $500, it becomes a felony, punishable by one to ten years in prison. Additionally, repeat offenders face enhanced penalties, making it crucial to mount a strong defense at the outset.

At Arca Law, we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your shoplifting case, reviewing video footage, eyewitness testimony, and police reports to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our goal is to reduce the charges, seek diversion programs, or obtain a dismissal wherever possible.

Why Choose Arca Law?

Getting arrested and prosecuted for theft charges is a frightening experience, but you do not have to go through it alone. Marietta theft defense attorney Alejandro Arca of Arca Law understands the nuances of Georgia’s theft crime laws and is dedicated to protecting your rights at every stage of the legal process. Whether you are dealing with a burglary, robbery, or shoplifting charge, our firm provides a personalized, results-driven defense to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact our office in Marietta today by calling 770-800-1800 to get a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you fight theft crime charges.