Burglary & Theft Defense Attorney in Kennesaw, Georgia

Facing burglary or theft charges can be overwhelming and have lasting consequences. If you or a loved one has been accused of a criminal offense in Kennesaw, Georgia, such as burglary or theft, you need a committed and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to ensure your rights are protected. At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and fight aggressively to protect your freedom.

Located in Marietta, The Mazloom Law Firm LLC is dedicated to defending individuals accused of criminal offenses in Kennesaw and throughout Cobb County. With years of experience handling criminal defense cases, we understand the stakes involved when you’re facing serious charges. Our team is prepared to work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Why Choose The Mazloom Law Firm LLC for Your Kennesaw Burglary & Theft Defense?

When it comes to facing criminal charges for burglary or theft, you need legal representation that not only understands the law but also the local legal landscape. At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we are passionate about defending your rights and providing personalized, results-driven representation.

Here’s why clients choose us for their defense:

Extensive Experience with Local Courts: We have a deep understanding of how the courts in Kennesaw, and Cobb County handle criminal cases. This insight is invaluable in navigating your case and building the best defense possible.
Strategic & Aggressive Defense: We take an aggressive approach to defending our clients. Whether negotiating for reduced charges, advocating for a fair plea, or fighting for an acquittal in court, we are committed to achieving the most favorable results for our clients.
Personalized Attention: We treat each client as an individual, not just a case number. We will take the time to listen to your side of the story, investigate the details of your case, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your needs.
Commitment to Your Future: A criminal conviction can have lifelong consequences. Our goal is to help you avoid those consequences and protect your future. We will do everything in our power to minimize the impact of these charges on your life.

Burglary & Theft Charges in Kennesaw

In Georgia, burglary and theft are considered serious crimes with severe penalties. Whether you’re accused of breaking into a business or home, stealing from a store, or committing other types of theft, the consequences of a conviction can be life-changing. Let’s break down the key aspects of these crimes and the potential penalties you may face.

Burglary in Kennesaw (OCGA § 16-7-1)

Burglary involves unlawfully entering a building, home, or structure with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft or vandalism. Georgia law differentiates between first-degree and second-degree burglary, with the severity of the charge depending on the type of structure involved and the level of intent.

First-Degree Burglary: This charge is the most serious form of burglary in Georgia. It occurs when someone unlawfully enters a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. A first-degree burglary conviction can lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Second-Degree Burglary: This charge involves unlawfully entering a non-residential structure (such as a store, office, or warehouse) with the intent to commit a crime. The penalties for second-degree burglary are less severe than first-degree burglary but can still result in significant prison time, ranging from 3 to 7 years.

Burglary charges in Kennesaw carry serious consequences, and it’s essential to understand the severity of these crimes in Georgia law. Even if you were not successful in committing a crime, you can still be charged with burglary if you unlawfully entered a property with criminal intent.

Theft in Kennesaw (OCGA § 16-8-2)

Theft refers to the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it. Theft charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of the stolen property and the circumstances of the crime.

There are different types of theft charges in Georgia, including:

Theft by Taking: This is the basic theft offense and can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the value of the stolen property. If the value is less than $1,500, it’s considered a misdemeanor. However, if the property’s value exceeds $1,500, it becomes a felony, which carries more severe penalties.
Shoplifting: If you’re accused of stealing merchandise from a retail store, you can face shoplifting charges. Shoplifting charges in Georgia depend on the value of the merchandise stolen. If the value exceeds $500, it may result in a felony charge.
Robbery: Robbery involves the use of force or intimidation to steal property from another person. It is a more severe offense than theft, and a robbery conviction in Georgia can result in significant prison time, as it is classified as a felony.

Penalties for Burglary & Theft Convictions in Kennesaw

The penalties for burglary and theft convictions in Georgia are severe and can impact your future. The potential penalties for these crimes depend on the charges, the value of the stolen property, and your criminal history. Here are the potential consequences:

First-Degree Burglary: Up to 20 years in prison.
Second-Degree Burglary: 3 to 7 years in prison.
Theft by Taking (Felony): If the value of the stolen property exceeds $1,500, you could face 1 to 10 years in prison.
Theft by Taking (Misdemeanor): If the value of the property is less than $1,500, you could face a maximum of 1 year in jail.
Shoplifting (Felony): If the value of the stolen merchandise is over $500, you could face 1 to 5 years in prison.

As you can see, the penalties for burglary and theft charges in Kennesaw are severe. A criminal conviction can result in substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and a permanent criminal record. This is why it’s important to hire a skilled defense attorney who can help you protect your future.

The Criminal Justice Process for Burglary & Theft Charges in Georgia

If you’ve been arrested for burglary or theft in Kennesaw, it’s crucial to understand the criminal justice process and what to expect. Here’s an overview of the typical steps in a criminal case:

1. Investigation and Arrest

The criminal justice process often begins with an investigation. Law enforcement will gather evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and physical evidence. If they believe there is enough evidence to charge you, you will be arrested. After the arrest, you will be taken into custody and booked.

2. First Appearance and Bond Hearing

Following your arrest, you will have a first appearance hearing before a judge. During this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and decide whether you are eligible for bond. It’s important to have legal representation at this stage to ensure you’re treated fairly.

3. Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery

During the pre-trial phase, both the prosecution and the defense will exchange evidence through a process called discovery. Your attorney will analyze the evidence to determine if there are any weaknesses in the case. Pre-trial motions can also be filed to challenge evidence or ask for certain charges to be dismissed.

4. Trial

If the case goes to trial, the prosecution will present their case, and your attorney will defend you. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and they must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Your defense attorney will present evidence and cross-examine witnesses to challenge the prosecution’s case.

5. Verdict and Sentencing

After the trial, the judge or jury will render a verdict. If you are convicted, the judge will determine the appropriate sentence based on the charges, the evidence, and your criminal history.

6. Appeals

If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal the verdict or sentence. An appellate court will review your case for legal errors and determine if a new trial or reduced sentence is warranted.

Defenses to Burglary & Theft Charges in Kennesaw

There are several legal defenses that may apply to burglary and theft charges. Your defense attorney will work to build a case that challenges the prosecution’s evidence. Some common defenses include:

Mistaken Identity: If you were falsely accused of the crime, your attorney will investigate the evidence and provide proof of your innocence.
Lack of Intent: For burglary charges, the prosecution must prove that you intended to commit a crime once inside the building. If there was no intent, your attorney may argue that you should not be convicted of burglary.
Consent: If you had permission to enter the property or take the items in question, this can be used as a defense in both theft and burglary cases.
Unlawful Search & Seizure: If evidence was obtained illegally, your attorney can file a motion to suppress that evidence, which may result in a dismissal of the charges.

Contact The Mazloom Law Firm LLC for Kennesaw Burglary & Theft Defense

If you are facing burglary or theft charges in Kennesaw, you need an attorney who will aggressively defend your rights and work to minimize the consequences of the charges. At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we have the knowledge and experience necessary to protect your future.

Call us today at 770-590-9837 to schedule a consultation with Mazi Mazloom. We will review your case, explain your options, and work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Don’t face burglary or theft charges alone. Let us help you protect your rights and safeguard your future.