Top 5 Arrests in Georgia
Many people want to know about Georgia crime statistics and trends. They want to know if crime rates are going down or up and what some of the most serious crimes in the state are.
Just like in other states in the U.S., a felony is a serious crime in Georgia. Because of this, they also carry the strictest consequences. Keep reading to learn about the most common felony arrests that occur in Georgia.
1. Larceny
This is the crime that occurs when someone steals personal property from someone else. Some of the crimes that fall under the larceny umbrella include:
- Shoplifting
- Theft that occurs by taking something
- Theft that occurs by deception
The penalties related to a charge of larceny include fines, which are determined by how serious the crime was. It also comes with jail time of one to 10 years.
2. Burglary
In the state of Georgia, there are three different types of burglary you may be charged with. These charges include:
- First degree: This is the unlawful entry into a home with the sole intention of committing some type of felony.
- Second degree: This is when someone unlawfully enters a structure other than a residence with the goal of committing a felony.
- “Smash and grab”: This includes someone who unlawfully enters a business and causes a minimum of $500 in damages with the goal of committing theft.
The penalties related to a burglary charge in Georgia are significant. This includes up to five years in prison if convicted of second-degree burglary. If you are charged with first-degree burglary or cases of smash and grab, you can face up to 20 years in prison.
3. Vehicle Theft
The motor theft laws in the state of Georgia include the following:
- Theft by taking the vehicle
- Hijacking a motor vehicle
- Criminal trespassing or joyriding
- Operating or owning a “chop shop”
- Entering a vehicle with the intention of committing a theft or felony
- Theft when you receive stolen property
If you violate the motor vehicle theft laws in Georgia, the penalties that you will face will depend on the crime and the circumstances of the situation. The fines for these cases range from just $1,000 to more than $100,000. Depending on your charge and if you are convicted, you can also face as much as 20 years in jail.
4. Assault
The assault laws in Georgia include both assault and battery. These charges can be considered aggravated or simple. Cases of aggravated assault or battery are considered felonies, and they are classified in the following ways in Georgia:
Aggravate Battery
This is when you maliciously or intentionally cause serious bodily harm. Some examples of this include things like permanent disability, loss of a limb, or disfigurement.
The potential penalties for charges of aggravated battery include fines, minimum of one up to 20 years in prison, and restitution.
Aggravated Assault
You may face charges of aggravated assault if the following situations apply:
- The discharge of a firearm toward another person from inside a vehicle
- Assault with a deadly weapon or any other object that can cause serious bodily harm or injuries
- Assault with the intention of murdering, raping, or robbing
The potential penalties for cases of aggravated assault include up to 20 years in jail, restitution, and fines.
5. Robbery
In Georgia, robbery is defined as taking property or money from someone against their will by using intimidation, threats, violence, or force. The charge of this and potential penalties related to robbery depends on factors like if a weapon was used and if bodily injuries occurred.
Hire an Attorney to Help if You Are Charged with a Crime in Georgia
If you are facing any of the criminal charges mentioned above in Georgia, it’s best to hire an attorney to help with your case. An attorney can review the facts of the situation and help to build the best possible defense for your case.
