Armed Robbery in Georgia Without a Weapon

Can I Be Charged with Armed Robbery in Georgia Without a Weapon?

Armed robbery is a very serious charge in Georgia that can carry up to 20 years in prison, often without the possibility of parole. It is possible to be convicted of armed robbery even if a weapon was not actually used during the commission of the crime.

Armed Robbery and the Law

Under Georgia law, a person can be convicted of armed robbery even if they did not have a weapon if it can be shown that the victim reasonably believed that the person did in fact have a weapon. For example, if someone has their hands in their pockets and they are holding a bundle of sticks (which may resemble a handgun in size), they could be charged with armed robbery.

Defending Armed Robbery Charges

This is a harsh part of the law that a good defense attorney can attack. By showing that there is no way that the object in question could reasonably be believed to be a weapon, it is possible to have an armed robbery charge reduced or dismissed altogether. A simple change of the charge from “armed robbery” to merely “robbery” automatically lowers the likely sentence for the crime and makes the person parole eligible when they might not have been otherwise.

If you or a loved one is facing an armed robbery charge, you need a serious criminal lawyer on your side. Give us a call to find out how we can help you beat the case.