Coweta County experienced a terrifying car theft on Sunday night. Sydni Anglin called 911 when she discovered that her vehicle had been stolen from a gas station. To make matters worse, her daughter and her dog were still inside the vehicle when it was stolen.
Fortunately, later that night, the 3-year-old and dog were discovered unharmed at a different gas station further down Ga. 138. However, authorities are still searching for both the man and the stolen vehicle.
As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will focus on the offense of entering auto in today's post. If the facts reported above are true, then this individual is facing many charges - entering auto being the least serious of any of the felonies he is most likely facing.
Entering Auto in Georgia
Entering Auto in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §16-8-18 as:
If any person shall enter any automobile or other motor vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or a felony, he shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for no less than one nor more than five years, or in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor.
Entering auto is essentially the vehicular version of burglary in Georgia. Both crimes require both breaking and entering. As described above, in order for an individual to commit the crime of entering auto, he or she has to first break and enter into a vehicle and also have the intent to either commit a theft or a felony.
As the statute read above, the criminal offense of entering auto is a felony offense in Georgia. The penalty for conviction can include up to five years in prison.
Practice Note
There are several different Georgia Criminal Defenses that can apply in the case of a wrongful entering auto arrest. No one should attempt to defend themselves in their own case. Criminal law is both overwhelming and complicated.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can help you with your case and will be dedicated to working on your behalf.
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