Five People Report Armed Robbery Incident in Downtown Decatur

Five different people were robbed at gunpoint by two men in downtown Decatur.

The two suspects approached the group and demanded their belongings. According to the victims, one of the men pointed a semi-automatic handgun as each handed over their wallets. Police are still searching for the suspects.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the crime of armed robbery in the state of Georgia as this is the crime the two men have been accused of committing.

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

Again - there is a ten year minimum for an armed robbery conviction. This amount cannot be probated. Therefore, if you have been arrested for armed robbery, call our offices today.