Atlanta Burglary Lawyer

If you’re accused of breaking and entering, otherwise known as burglary, you’re likely concerned about your future. Burglary charges typically entail high fines, jail time, and a wide range of other penalties. That said, with the right defense in your corner, you stand a far greater chance of minimizing–or, in some cases, even eliminating your charges altogether. Contact a knowledgeable and skilled Atlanta burglary defense lawyer from Williamson Legal for a free initial consultation today.

Burglary in Georgia Defined

Under Georgia law, burglary is divided into different degrees, each based on the nature of the alleged act and the type of structure involved. Understanding the precise charge you are facing is critical. The main types of burglary charges in Georgia are as follows:

• Burglary in the First Degree: This charge applies when a person unlawfully enters or remains within a dwelling, house, or any other occupied or vacant building with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. Actual theft or harm does not have to occur; the unlawful entry combined with criminal intent is sufficient.
• Burglary in the Second Degree: This charge is similar to first-degree burglary but pertains to structures that are not dwellings, such as commercial buildings, storage units, or abandoned properties. As with first-degree burglary, intent to commit a felony or theft is a required element, even if no crime is ultimately completed.
• Smash and Grab Burglary: Separate from traditional burglary charges, smash and grab burglary involves intentionally breaking into a retail establishment with the intent to steal merchandise. This charge often includes allegations of causing significant property damage during the commission of the offense.

Penalties for Burglary Charges in Georgia

Georgia imposes severe penalties for burglary convictions, and the consequences can drastically impact your life, your career, and your future. The specific penalties you face will depend on the degree of burglary charged.

Burglary in the First Degree

• A conviction can result in a prison sentence ranging from 1 to 20 years for a first offense.
• For a second conviction, the potential sentence increases to 2 to 20 years.
• A third or subsequent conviction may lead to a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison, with a possible maximum of 25 years.

Burglary in the Second Degree

• A first conviction can lead to 1 to 5 years in prison.
• A second or subsequent conviction carries a prison sentence of 1 to 8 years.

Smash and Grab Burglary

• This offense is classified as a felony and is punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
• Additionally, the court may impose a fine of up to $100,000, especially if the property damage is substantial.

In addition to prison time and fines, a burglary conviction in Georgia can lead to lasting consequences such as a permanent criminal record, loss of civil rights (including the right to own firearms), and significant barriers to employment and housing.

Potential Defenses a Lawyer Can Provide Against Burglary Charges

Facing burglary charges can feel overwhelming, but remember, an arrest is not a conviction. At Williamson Legal, we will explore every available avenue to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. Some of the most effective defenses against burglary charges in Georgia include:

• Lack of Intent
• Mistaken Identity
• Permission to Enter
• Alibi
• Insufficient Evidence
• Violation of Constitutional Rights

Contact a Cobb County Burglary Lawyer

The bottom line is that anyone accused of burglary shouldn’t proceed without a skilled Atlanta criminal defense lawyer in their corner. Here at Williamson Legal, we have effectively fought on behalf of clients facing burglary charges for years, and we stand ready to put that experience to work for you in your case as well. Contact us today for a free case evaluation so we can get started working on your case.