A rash of armed crimes in Buckhead, has resulted in residential outcry. After all, this area is typically considered a low crime area. In fact, according to Trip Savvy, Buckhead was listed as the number one safest area in the entire metro Atlanta area. Despite this, Atlanta police acknowledge an uptick in Buckhead’s armed crimes over the past few weeks. Although police have made several arrests, Buckhead residents have seen a circulating video showing young men carrying firearms outside a Buckhead home, and most are aware there have been eight guns stolen from cars in the area. 
In addition, there is video of a man pointing a gun at a bystander after breaking out a vehicle window at a local shopping center.
While certain types of crimes—particularly auto theft and thefts from autos—tend to increase during the holidays, these Buckhead perpetrators are increasingly armed. Residents of the area are calling for increased police patrols, increased visibility on the part of the local police and better response times.
How Serious are Armed Robbery Charges in Buckhead?
Taking property from another person is considered robbery, however taking property from another person while using a weapon is considered armed robbery. This is a serious, violent felony offense in the state of Georgia. Robbery by intimidation is a lesser-included offense of armed robbery, and there is a new type of armed robbery in Georgia known as Armed Robbery of a Pharmacy (which also carries stiff penalties, yet could require a different legal strategy).
While courts have differed regarding what is considered a “weapon,” it is generally established that an “offensive” weapon can include items which might not be considered weapons in and of themselves, yet which could produce death or great bodily injury, depending on how they are used. Weapons which are considered “offensive per se,” include:
- Guns
- Swords
- Knives
- Machetes
Weapons such as skillets, an ordinary razor, a screwdriver, a tire tool or a starter pistol are just a few of the weapons which could potentially be deemed a deadly weapon, depending on how it is used.
Penalties for Armed Robbery in Buckhead
Regardless of whether a “traditional” or non-traditional weapon is used, armed robbery brings felony charges in the state of Georgia, with penalties as high as ten to twenty years in prison (ten years with no early release is the minimum). When there are extenuating circumstances, a conviction for armed robbery can even result in a prison sentence of life. If the charge is Armed Robbery of a Pharmacy, and serious bodily injury was inflicted on a person during the crime, you could face a minimum of fifteen years in prison, and must serve at least ten years of that sentence. If you have been convicted of a violent felony anywhere across the nation, then are convicted of another serious felony offense in the state of Georgia, you could find yourself spending life in prison without the possibility of parole. As you can see, having an experienced Buckhead armed robbery attorney defending your charges is absolutely essential to your future.
Have You Been Arrested for Armed Robbery in Atlanta?
If you’ve been arrested and charged with an armed crime in Atlanta, such as robbery or carjacking, it is important to understand the seriousness of these charges and how they could affect your future. At Schnipper Law, P.C., our Atlanta criminal defense attorneys know that a conviction of an armed crime can ruin your life forever. Call Schnipper Law P.C., at (404) 983-6051 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. We can help you fight these serious charges.
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