DeKalb County Police Department Searching for Armed Robbery Suspect

DeKalb County Courthouse

DeKalb County, Ga. - According to reports out of DeKalb County, police are searching for a suspect who has been accused of committing an armed robbery.

Video surveillance footage has been released of the suspect approaching a vehicle and pulling out a gun. He then took the driver's phone and wallet. He then pointed the gun at the man and had him exit the vehicle and stole his car as well.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the offense of armed robbery in the state of Georgia.

Armed Robbery in Georgia

Armed robbery in Georgia is one of the most serious offenses in the state. By law, armed robbery is laid out in the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §16-8-41:

A person commits the offense of armed robbery when, with intent to commit theft, he or she takes property of another from the person or the immediate presence of another by use of an offensive weapon, or any replica, article, or device have the appearance of such weapon.

An offensive weapon includes weapons which are offensive per se, but also embraces other instrumentalities not normally considered to be offensive in and of themselves but which may be found by a jury likely to produce death or great bodily injury depending on the manner and means of their use.

Armed robbery is a serious violent felony in Georgia, and therefore, the penalties are extremely severe. If an individual is convicted of armed robbery, there is a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison.

There is also a maximum sentence of life in prison.

However, the most severe penalty in Georgia for Armed Robbery is the death penalty.

Practice Note

If accused of a crime in Georgia, it is important to call our offices now. We can help you with your case and let you know what options we have available for you.