Store’s Surveillance Video Shows Armed Robbery in DeKalb County

A Sprint store in DeKalb County caught a hooded man aiming a gun at the store's employees, pushing one employee to the ground and dragging another employee by her legs before forcing them to empty a safe. According to reports, it is unknown how much the man stole, and right now the store's owner is offering a reward to anyone who can help identify the suspect. 

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will do a deep dive into the law behind armed robbery.

Armed Robbery in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines armed robbery in Georgia in the following statute as:

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. O.C.G.A. §16-8-41.

Georgia Courts have determined different types of offensive weapons. First, offensive per se weapons include machetes, swords, knives, and guns. Next, unconventional offensive weapons can include items that can be offensive but have innocent qualities such as razors or penknives.

Georgia Courts have also determined that hands and feet do not constitute weapons.

Armed robbery is is a felony. An armed robbery conviction carries a potential sentence of ten to twenty years in prison with the very minimum being ten years in prison with no early release. Prison terms for life are another common penalty for Armed Robbery.

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

Practice Note

Take note - if you have a serious violent felony conviction in any state, and you are convicted of another serious felony in the state of Georgia, you will be sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Please see our page on Felony Punishments in Georgia for more information on the consequences of certain felonies. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can walk you through all of your options and help you with your case today.