Category Archives: Theft
How Do Geofence Warrants Work in a Georgia Criminal Investigation?
Modern smartphones allow us to record and track our movements at all times. Of course, this also makes it possible for others to track you as well. Companies like Google maintain massive databases of user geolocation data. Law enforcement is well aware of this, and as such, they often rely on so-called geofence warrants… Read More »
When Can Georgia Prosecutors Use Surveillance Video Footage as Evidence?
We live in a society where video surveillance is just about everywhere, at least when it comes to public spaces. Many stores maintain such cameras in order to deter potential shoplifting. But can footage from such cameras actually be used as evidence in court? Georgia Appeals Court Upholds Armed Robbery Conviction A recent Georgia… Read More »
What Is “Theft By Conversion” in Georgia?
Theft broadly describes a number of criminal offenses where someone unlawfully takes the property of another. One of the more complex types of theft charges in Georgia is theft by conversion. This refers to a situation where a person initially obtains property lawfully–i.e., with the owner’s consent–but then “converts” that property to their own… Read More »
Is It Still Armed Robbery If the Victim Never Saw the Gun?
Armed robbery is one of the more serious theft offenses you can be charged with in Georgia. Under state law, a conviction for armed robbery carries a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment. Conviction itself requires the state to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant took… Read More »
Does Burglary Require Entering Someone’s Home?
Georgia law defines burglary as unlawfully entering or remaining in a protected structure with the intent to commit a crime while inside that structure. For example, if a person enters a store at night after closing with the intent to steal merchandise, that is considered burglary. Even if the suspect never completes the actual… Read More »
Is It “Burglary” If You Take Something From an Abandoned House?
The terms burglary and theft are often used interchangeably even though, legally speaking, they refer to different criminal acts. Burglary means entering (or remaining within) a building with the intent to commit theft or another felony. The theft itself is a separate crime. So you can be charged with burglary if you are caught… Read More »
Is It Still Theft If the Victim Gave You Their Property?
Criminal theft is often associated with armed robbery or shoplifting. But theft can also occur when the victim gives you their property without the threat of violence. For example, if someone gives you a valuable piece of jewelry for safekeeping and you later refuse to return it to them, that is still considered a… Read More »
When Does “Double Jeopardy” Apply in Georgia?
The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that no person may be “subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb.” Known as the double jeopardy rule, in simple terms this means the government cannot try you a second time on a criminal charge if you… Read More »
What’s The Difference Between Theft And Robbery Charges?
In Georgia, theft and robbery are two distinct charges with very different definitions. It is important to understand how each crime is defined by the law and what the possible consequences for a conviction may be. Facing theft or robbery charges can understandably create anxiety and stress given all the potential consequences associated with… Read More »
Arrests Made In Georgia Church Theft Ring
Scams are common and can involve those that least expect it, such as churches and members. A recent theft ring among Georgia churches has led to more than $150,000 stolen. According to investigators, 36 churches were victimized in Fayette County alone. The theft is targeting mailed-in donations from members. Three people from Houston were… Read More »