5 Most Common Felony Arrests In Georgia

I often get questions about crime trends and statistics in Georgia. People want to know whether crime rates are going up or down, and also what the most common serious crimes being committed are.

Just as in all other states, felonies are the most serious crimes in Georgia and are therefore accompanied by the strictest consequences. Let’s look at the five most common felony arrests in Georgia related to crimes against other people or property.

According to statistics from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the five most common felony arrests in Georgia in 2016 were:

• Larceny – 18,944 arrests
• Burglary – 5,549 arrests
• Vehicle Theft – 2,371 arrests
• Assault – 1,823 arrests
• Robbery – 1,125 arrests

A short definition of each of these crimes and the penalties that accompany them include the following:

1. Larceny

Larceny is defined as theft of personal property. Crimes that may fall under this umbrella include:

• Theft by taking
• Theft by deception
• Shoplifting

Larceny penalties include fines determined by the extent of the crime, as well as the potential for one-10 years in prison.

2. Burglary

In Georgia, burglary is broken down into three categories, which are:

• First degree: Unlawful entry into a home with the intent to commit a felony
• Second degree: Unlawful entry into structures other than residences with the intent to commit a felony
• “Smash and grab”: Unlawful entry into a business causing at least $500 in damages, with the intent to commit a theft

Burglary penalties are significant, including up to five years in prison for second degree burglary, or up to 20 years in prison for first degree or smash and grab. Burglary conviction fines may reach up to $100,000.

3. Vehicle Theft

Georgia’s motor vehicle theft laws include the following offenses:

• Hijacking a motor vehicle
• Joyriding or criminal trespassing
• Theft by taking
• Theft by receiving stolen property
• Entering a vehicle with intent to commit a felony or theft
• Owning or operating a “chop shop”

The penalties for violating Georgia’s motor vehicle theft laws vary depending on the offense and the individual factors of the incident. Fines range from $1,000 to $100,000. There is also a risk of up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

4. Assault

Georgia assault laws cover both “assault” and “battery,” which may be considered “simple” or “aggravated.” Aggravated assault or battery cases are felonies and are classified as:

Aggravated assault:

• Assault with intent to rob, rape, or murder
• Assault with a deadly weapon or any object used offensively that causes serious bodily injury
• Discharging a firearm toward another person from within a motor vehicle

The penalties for aggravated assault include fines, restitution, and up to 20 years in prison.

Aggravated battery:

Maliciously and intentionally causing serious bodily. Examples include injuries resulting in disfigurement, loss of a limb, or permanent disability

The penalties for aggravated battery include fines, restitution, and a minimum of one-20 years in prison.

5. Robbery

Georgia law defines robbery as taking money or property from someone else against their will via force, violence, threats, or intimidation. The charges and penalties related to robbery will depend on factors such as presence of a weapon, bodily injury, etc. The penalties may include one-20 years in prison or life in prison for armed robbery.

If you or someone you love has either been the victim of a crime or accused of committing one, please contact Giannini Law Office. We can help you through this difficult time.

Thank you,

Bob Giannini