Marietta Burglary & Theft Defense Attorney

If you are facing burglary or theft charges in Marietta, Georgia, the consequences of a conviction can be serious and long-lasting. Criminal offenses such as these carry the potential for harsh penalties, including prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. For those living in Marietta, the heart of Cobb County, protecting your rights and working toward a favorable outcome is critical. That’s where The Mazloom Law Firm LLC comes in.

As a seasoned criminal defense firm located in Marietta, The Mazloom Law Firm LLC is dedicated to providing strong, aggressive representation for individuals facing theft and burglary charges. Whether you are accused of shoplifting, breaking and entering, or another theft-related crime, our team is prepared to defend you every step of the way.

If you need experienced legal counsel in Marietta for burglary or theft charges, call us now at 770-590-9837 for a consultation.

Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Marietta

At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we believe that everyone deserves the right to a fair trial and a defense based on the facts of the case. As a criminal defense law firm based in Marietta, we have a deep understanding of Georgia law and the legal landscape in Cobb County. Our team has successfully represented many clients in Marietta and the surrounding areas, and we are ready to fight for you.

Whether you’ve been accused of burglary, theft by taking, robbery, shoplifting, or any other theft-related offense, Mazi Mazloom, the founder of The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, offers a combination of experience, personalized legal strategies, and a fierce dedication to your defense. We have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, and we are prepared to bring that experience to your case.

Understanding Burglary & Theft Charges in Marietta

Georgia law divides burglary and theft charges into several categories, each carrying different penalties. In Marietta, as in the rest of Georgia, burglary and theft are considered serious crimes, and even a first-time offense can result in harsh penalties. Understanding the charges against you is the first step in building a strong defense strategy.

Burglary Charges in Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 16-7-1)

Burglary is the crime of unlawfully entering a building, structure, or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime inside. The key element in any burglary case is the intent to commit a crime, which is typically theft, but could also include assault, vandalism, or any other unlawful act.

First-Degree Burglary: If you unlawfully enter a dwelling (e.g., a home) with the intent to commit a crime, you may face first-degree burglary charges. This is considered a felony and carries severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison.
Second-Degree Burglary: If you unlawfully enter a structure (such as a business, or an unoccupied building) or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime, you could face second-degree burglary charges. This is still a felony and carries potential prison time from 3 to 7 years.

Theft Charges in Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2)

Theft charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the value of the property stolen and the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some common theft offenses in Georgia:

Theft by Taking: This charge applies when someone takes property without the owner’s consent and with the intent to permanently deprive them of the property. Penalties for theft by taking can vary, with theft of property valued at more than $1,500 considered a felony.
Shoplifting: In Marietta, shoplifting charges can result from stealing merchandise from a store. Depending on the value of the merchandise, this offense may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties can include jail time and fines.
Robbery: If you use force, intimidation, or threats to take property from another person, you could be charged with robbery. This is a violent crime that can result in significant prison time.
Theft by Deception: If you are accused of taking property by using fraud or misrepresentation, you could face theft by deception charges. This can involve anything from lying to a person to steal property to using fraudulent financial transactions.

The Criminal Justice Process for Burglary & Theft Cases in Marietta

If you have been charged with burglary or theft in Marietta, it’s important to understand the criminal justice process and what you can expect. The following outlines the general steps involved in these types of criminal cases in Georgia:

1. Investigation

The process usually begins with an investigation. Law enforcement may gather evidence from witnesses, surveillance footage, or physical evidence from the crime scene. In some cases, law enforcement may obtain a search warrant to look for further evidence.

2. Arrest

If police have probable cause to believe that you committed burglary or theft, they may make an arrest. After the arrest, the defendant is taken to jail, where they will be booked, fingerprinted, and held until they can appear before a judge.

3. First Appearance & Bond Hearing

Within 48 hours of your arrest, you will appear before a judge for your first appearance. During this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and set bond or bail. If bond is granted, you may be released from jail while you await the next stage of the legal process.

4. Preliminary Hearing or Grand Jury

For felony charges such as burglary and theft, the case may be presented to a grand jury for an indictment. Alternatively, there may be a preliminary hearing where the judge will review the evidence to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.

5. Arraignment

At the arraignment hearing, the defendant is formally charged with the crime and is asked to enter a plea—guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If the defendant pleads not guilty, the case will proceed to trial.

6. Pretrial Motions & Discovery

In the pretrial phase, both the defense and prosecution exchange evidence and documents. The defense may file motions to challenge evidence, seek the suppression of illegal evidence, or dismiss charges.

7. Trial

If the case is not resolved through a plea agreement, it will go to trial. During the trial, both sides will present evidence, examine witnesses, and argue their case. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which must prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

8. Verdict & Sentencing

After the trial, the judge or jury will return a verdict of guilty or not guilty. If convicted, the judge will determine the appropriate sentence based on the circumstances of the crime, the defendant’s criminal history, and other factors.

9. Appeal

If you are convicted, you may have the right to appeal the verdict. The appellate process allows you to ask a higher court to review your case for any errors made during the trial.

Defenses to Burglary & Theft Charges in Georgia

In defending against burglary and theft charges, there are several potential defenses that a skilled criminal defense lawyer may employ:

1. Lack of Intent

For burglary charges, the prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to commit a crime once inside the building or structure. If there was no intent to commit a crime, the defense may argue that the defendant should not be convicted.

2. False Accusations

False accusations or mistaken identity can sometimes lead to theft or burglary charges. In cases where the evidence does not support the allegations, a defense attorney may argue that the defendant is innocent of the charges.

3. Insufficient Evidence

In many cases, the prosecution’s case may be weak due to insufficient evidence. If the evidence presented by the prosecution does not prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the defense may argue for dismissal or a reduction in charges.

4. Alibi

If the defendant was elsewhere at the time the crime was committed, an alibi defense may be presented to prove that the defendant could not have been involved in the burglary or theft.

Why Choose The Mazloom Law Firm LLC for Your Defense?

When facing serious criminal charges such as burglary and theft in Marietta, you need a law firm with the experience and dedication to fight for your rights. Here’s why The Mazloom Law Firm LLC is the right choice for your case:

Extensive Experience in Criminal Defense: We have a proven track record of defending clients against burglary and theft charges in Marietta and across Georgia.
Personalized Attention: We tailor our defense strategies to fit the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Aggressive Representation: We are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome, whether that involves negotiating reduced charges, securing a favorable plea deal, or going to trial.

Contact The Mazloom Law Firm LLC Today

If you are facing burglary or theft charges in Marietta, don’t wait—contact The Mazloom Law Firm LLC today to schedule a free initial consultation. Call 770-590-9837 today. We are here to fight for you, protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the best possible defense.