Robbery in Columbus, Georgia
People often use the terms robbery and burglary interchangeably. However, these offenses are very different under Georgia law. Robbery is violent crime that is charged as a felony in Georgia.
Understanding Robbery
Essentially, robbery refers to the taking of property directly from a person, rather than burglary, which is taking property from a location.
Under Georgia law, there are three types of robbery:
- Theft by intimidation
- Theft by sudden snatching
- Theft of property from the immediate presence of a person
Robbery is punishable by a prison sentence of five to 20 years.
Armed Robbery
Force is an essential element of robbery and can include using intimidation.
If a robbery is committed using a weapon or even a replica of a weapon, it is an armed robbery. Whether or not the weapon was used in the course of the robbery does not matter; the fact that it was used for intimidation is enough to elevate a robbery charge to armed robbery.
Armed robbery is punishable by 10 years to life in prison. A second conviction, or a first conviction with any prior felony conviction on your record will result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
It is even possible to be charged with armed robbery if you were involved in the incident but did not actively participate. So-called “co-conspirators” may be subject to up to a 10-year prison sentence.