Athens Robbery Lawyer

Athens Robbery Attorney in Athens, GA

The consequences of a robbery conviction can be severe. Robbery is considered a violent crime, even without the use of a weapon. First-time offenders could face years in prison. You don’t have to risk your freedom. Contact an Athens robbery lawyer to represent you through the criminal process and craft a strong defensive strategy.

Hire a Robbery Lawyer

With over 20 years of experience, the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, has the experience to represent your interests through negotiations and litigation. Felony charges can have long-lasting negative effects on your life. Not only do you risk long periods of incarceration, but you may also see hefty fines and the loss of your civil rights. Hire a robbery lawyer who has the knowledge to handle your case with an aggressive legal defense.

Robbery Rates in Georgia

The Georgia Crime Information Center provides crime data from the Uniform Crime Reporting Program, which examines crime across the state. In 2024, Georgia experienced 39.7 robberies per 100,000 residents for a total of 4,166 reported robberies. There were only 906 arrests for robbery in 2024. Offenders were aged as follows:

• 138 were 16 and under.
• 222 were 17-21.
• 215 were 22-29.
• 184 were 30-39.
• 84 were 40-49.
• 63 were 50 and over.

Residents of Athens facing robbery charges have their cases heard in the Clarke County Superior Court, located in the Athens-Clarke County Courthouse.

Robbery Penalties in Georgia

Robbery is taken seriously by Georgia judges. For violent felonies, such as armed robbery, offenders are not eligible for parole or early release. The severity of the penalty is based on the circumstances of the offense. Different penalties include:

• Robbery carries a sentence of between one and 20 years.
• Robbery against a victim 65 years of age or older carries a sentence of five to 20 years.
• Armed robbery carries a possible death sentence, life imprisonment, or a sentence of between 10 and 20 years.
• Armed robbery charges consisting of the theft of a controlled substance while intentionally inflicting bodily harm on another carry a sentence of no less than 15 years.

Judges have some discretion to sentence offenders below the mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines. When the prosecution and defense agree on a term less than the mandatory minimum, the judge can accept the agreement.

Common Robbery Defenses

Given the steep penalties for a robbery conviction, you need to present a solid defensive strategy during negotiations, plea bargaining, or a trial. Even with mandatory minimum sentencing requirements, judges have the discretion to disregard these minimum standards. An experienced robbery attorney can present mitigating factors to justify a more lenient sentence. Common legal defenses include:

• The act of robbery was justified. This could apply if the item in question actually belonged to the accused or if they reasonably thought the item belonged to them.
• Lack of intent. If you were not trying to commit a crime or there was a misunderstanding, you could argue that there was no criminal intent. You could also argue for a reduced charge of theft.
• Unaware victim. If an item was snatched but the victim was unaware that the snatching occurred and was unharmed by the snatching, the charge of robbery could be reduced to a larceny charge.
• Alibi. If you are wrongly accused of committing robbery, you can prove your innocence by providing evidence of an alibi.
• Intoxication. Being intoxicated could be seen as a mitigating factor that made you less in control of your actions. It may have prevented you from possessing the correct criminal intent to commit a crime.

FAQs

How Does Theft or Burglary Differ From Robbery?

Theft involves taking someone else’s property without the intent of returning those items. Burglary involves illegally entering a building or structure with the intent of committing a crime. For both theft and burglary, the victim is rarely present when the crime is committed. With robbery, items are taken directly from the victim while using force or the threat of force.

Can I Be Charged With Robbery and Burglary for the Same Offense?

Yes, you can be charged with robbery and burglary for the same offense. Since burglary involves unlawfully entering a building or structure, just your presence in an area you are not legally allowed to be in is sufficient for a burglary charge. If you also forcefully take an item from someone during a burglary, you could be charged with robbery. Since both are individual offenses, being charged with both does not qualify as double jeopardy.

How Much Do You Have to Steal for Robbery to Be a Felony in Georgia?

There is no minimum theft limit for robbery to qualify as a felony in Georgia. Robbery is always classified as a felony because of the violent nature of the offense and the direct contact with the victim. A robbery conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence. You should consult an Athens robbery attorney to review possible defenses in your case.

Can Robbery Charges Be Expunged in Georgia?

Generally, no, robbery charges are not eligible for expungement in Georgia. However, it could be possible for a nonviolent robbery charge to qualify for the Georgia First Offender Act. An experienced robbery attorney can determine if the program is appropriate for your case. You may be eligible if:

• This is your first felony in any state.
• You have never been sentenced as a first offender.
• The charge is not a serious violent felony, sexual offense, or DUI.

What Is Georgia’s Seven Deadly Sins Law?

Passed in 1995, Georgia’s seven deadly sins law mandates a nonparolable minimum sentence of ten years for a first offense and life without the possibility of parole for a second offense for seven specific crimes. The seven crimes included are:

1. Murder
2. Kidnapping
3. Armed robbery
4. Rape
5. Aggravated sodomy
6. Aggravated sexual battery
7. Aggravated child molestation

A first offense for murder carries a life sentence, with parole only being possible after 25 years.

Contact the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC

Robbery charges can have life-changing consequences. Robbery laws leave little room for judges to give lenient sentences. You need a skilled robbery lawyer with experience in handling cases through Georgia’s court system. Don’t risk your future and freedom with just any attorney. Contact the Law Offices of Adam M. Cain, LLC, today to schedule your confidential consultation.