String of Armed Robberies Reported in Athens

Athens-Clarke County Courthouse

Athens, Ga. - According to Clarke County authorities, there has been a string of armed robberies reported in Athens over the weekend.

One of the incidents involved the victim being shot in both of his legs. There were a total of eight armed robberies reported within a 24-hour period. Officers and investigators are currently working to figure out if all eight of the armed robberies are related. They are requesting help from the public for information.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I will provide a rundown of both the law on robbery and the law on armed robbery in today's post. Read below.

Robbery and Armed Robbery in Georgia

Robbery in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. §16-8-40 as:

A person commits robbery when they take property from another person or the immediate presence of another person with the intent to commit theft.

There are technically three ways that a robbery can be carried out. Through use of force, through intimidation, threat, or placing the other person in fear of immediate serious bodily injury to himself or another, or by sudden snatching.

Robbery is classified as a felony in Georgia. The penalties can include a prison sentence for a period of one to twenty years. However, the consequences for robbing a person aged 65 or older increases the prison term to no less than five years and no more than twenty.

Armed Robbery in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. §16-8-41 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.

Armed robbery is classified as a felony in Georgia. The penalties for an armed robbery conviction are severe. A conviction of Armed Robbery 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

As you can see the law has a subtle difference but can actually result in much harsher penalties if you are charged and convicted of armed robbery over robbery. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a crime in Georgia, contact our offices now. We can help you with your case and provide you with a clear idea of what consequences you may be facing.