Is Armed Robbery a Felony or Misdemeanor in Georgia? 2025

Armed robbery is one of the most serious crimes that can occur in the state of Georgia. The courts take it very seriously, and a conviction can result in significant legal penalties you may not be fully prepared to face. It is very important that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can prepare you for your case and help you fully understand the charges. You may wonder: Is armed robbery a felony or misdemeanor in Georgia?

Our legal team at Miller North & Brill can help you develop a strong defense strategy as you face armed robbery charges. If you are convicted, you will face significant prison time and a permanent criminal record. Having a criminal record can impact your employment opportunities, prevent you from getting decent housing, and even affect your personal relationships. A good armed robbery lawyer can help you put together a defense and advocate for you in court.

Is Armed Robbery a Felony or Misdemeanor in Georgia?

Armed robbery is very much a felony in the state of Georgia. In fact, it’s one of the most serious felonies one can face in the state. It belongs to a group of crimes that the state refers to as the Seven Deadly Sins, alongside murder, rape, kidnapping, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, and voluntary manslaughter. These crimes are so serious that any juvenile between 13 and 17 years old can be tried as an adult if they are charged with one.

Robbery is also considered a felony in Georgia, though the penalties may be significantly less depending on the situation. The difference between the two is the use of a deadly weapon, whatever that may be. If you are convicted of armed robbery in Georgia, you will be sentenced to a mandatory 10-year prison term at the very least. You could also face 20 years in prison, a life sentence, or even the death penalty. It depends on the details of your case.

Possible Defenses Against Armed Robbery Charges

When you are arrested on armed robbery charges in Georgia, you may feel like that’s the end of your road. Getting arrested can feel like the end of your case when it’s actually just the beginning of your long road to proving your innocence. Never forget that you are always innocent until proven guilty, no matter what the crime is. You are always afforded your constitutional rights, including your right to remain silent upon arrest and your right to retain legal counsel.

Your criminal defense lawyer’s primary goal is to help you beat the charges made against you. The way they do that is by establishing a strong defense strategy that pokes holes in the prosecution’s argument and highlights your innocence or at least establishes reasonable doubt. There are multiple routes you may choose to take for your defense, depending on the details of your case. Here are some of the possible strategies you may end up using:

• You didn’t steal anything. In order for armed robbery charges to stick, something has to have been stolen. If you can prove that nothing was actually stolen in the alleged incident, the armed robbery charges may disappear entirely. Granted, you may still have to face charges for armed assault and battery, but the penalties may be much less severe.
• There was a lack of intent. For the prosecution to secure a conviction, they have to be able to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That’s not always easy to accomplish, especially when you have a defense lawyer who is able to establish reasonable doubt by proving that you never had any intent of committing armed robbery. You believed the property in question belonged to you and were trying to reclaim it.

A defense lawyer is vital in cases of armed robbery charges. One such example of the necessity of a defense is the case of Christopher Williams, who was charged with armed robbery in 2000 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. He served 19 years in prison before his defense attorneys were able to get him a new trial based on the evolving state laws. He was released soon after, all thanks to the tireless efforts of his defense lawyers.

FAQs

Is Armed Robbery a Felony in Georgia?

Yes, armed robbery is very much a felony in Georgia. It’s considered one of the most heinous crimes in the state and carries a mandatory 10-year prison sentence if you are convicted. It is vital that you reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you develop a strong defense and avoid a conviction entirely.

What Constitutes a Deadly Weapon in an Armed Robbery Case?

When it comes to an armed robbery case, any object that may be used as a deadly weapon may be considered a deadly weapon. This includes obvious weapons like guns, knives, and blunt instruments. However, there are many objects that may be used as weapons that some people might not even consider. These objects include rocks, shoes, plastic bags, or even a vehicle in some cases.

What Won’t Work as a Defense in an Armed Robbery Case?

In Georgia, there are several routes you may try to take as a defense that simply won’t work as a valid defense in a Georgia court. Some of these non-defenses include:

• You didn’t have a real weapon. Even if you used a toy gun, you could still be convicted because it was a believable replica, and the intent was still there.
• You had consent to have the property. Even if you were given consent, you can still be convicted of armed robbery if you tried to take it by force.

Can You Get Parole for Armed Robbery in Georgia?

No, you cannot be paroled if convicted of armed robbery in Georgia. An armed robbery conviction carries with it a mandatory prison sentence of 10 years. Throughout that time, there is no chance of early release, including probation and parole. If you get out after that time and commit a second offense, you will be sentenced to life in prison, and you won’t be eligible for parole then either.

Reach Out to a Defense Lawyer Today

Armed robbery is a very serious offense in Georgia. If you are charged with it, you are going to want to hire a defense lawyer as soon as you can. If you are convicted, your life as you know it will essentially be over. A lawyer can help give you a fighting chance.

The team at Miller North & Brill can help you figure out a defense strategy. Contact us to speak with someone on our team about a consultation.