Focus on Serious Violent Felonies in Georgia After Atlanta Man Accused of Multiple Armed Robberies

Atlanta man, Anthony Carter, is currently being sought after by police. According to reports, he is believed to have robbed at least two banks at gun point in Fulton County. Carter has been accused of robbing a Regions Bank in East Point as well as a PNC Bank in Union City on Wednesday. He is currently facing charges of armed robbery and terroristic threats in Georgia. 

As an Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney, I will focus today's post on the offense of armed robbery in our state and penalties faced if found guilty and convicted. 

Armed Robbery in Georgia

Armed robbery in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in the following statute in the Georgia Code:

When a person 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. O.C.G.A. §16-8-41.

Armed robbery is classified as a serious violent felony. Georgia Law lists out all offenses that are considered serious violent felonies in the Georgia Code as well. These offenses include:

• Murder in Georgia
• Felony Murder in Georgia
• Kidnapping in Georgia
• Rape in Georgia
• Aggravated Child Molestation in Georgia
• Aggravated Sodomy in Georgia

If convicted of armed robbery, the penalty includes a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison. The sentence can range up to life in prison or even the death penalty depending on the circumstances surrounding the armed robbery. 

Practice Note

Any crime is serious, and a conviction is nothing to take lightly. The first action anyone who has been arrested should take is consulting with an Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyer. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices today.