Defending Those Who Are Accused Of Burglary Or Theft
People who are charged with theft or burglary need to create a strong defense to protect their future. These charges carry severe penalties, including time in prison and steep fines. The criminal defense attorneys at Margaret Gettle Washburn, P.C., can help you protect your future and civil rights if you are charged with either of these crimes.
Our Lawrenceville office represents clients in Atlanta and the surrounding communities who have been charged with a crime. Attorney Margaret Gettle Washburn is a former prosecutor who has a comprehensive knowledge of Georgia criminal law. You can get answers to your questions for consultation at our office. Call us now at 770-637-8695 to schedule your consultation.
Understanding The Difference Between Theft And Burglary
While lay people use the terms theft and burglary interchangeably, these crimes have specific meanings and different penalties upon conviction. Theft, also known as larceny, involves taking a person’s property without permission and with no intent to return the property. In Georgia, the theft of property valued at $500 or less is a misdemeanor while stealing anything above $500 is a felony. This penalty becomes steeper upon subsequent convictions of theft.
Burglary differs from theft because it involves entering a property or vehicle without permission with the intent to steal. This property can be a private home or business and does not need to be occupied for it to be considered a crime. A person can be charged with burglary even if they do not successfully steal anything. Burglary is a felony in Georgia and is oftentimes paired with a criminal trespassing charge. Burglary charges can carry up to 20 years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.
Do Not Wait To Build A Strong Defense
If you are accused of burglary or theft from a private property or business, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not talk to a prosecutor or law enforcement officer without an attorney by your side. Even innocuous statements explaining what happened may be used against you.
You can contact our law firm now at 770-637-8695 or send us an email to schedule your consultation.
