Milton Burglary & Theft Defense Attorney

If you or someone you know has been accused of burglary or theft in Milton, Georgia, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the complexities of Georgia law and the local legal system. The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, based in Marietta, Georgia, has been helping individuals in Milton and surrounding areas protect their rights and fight criminal charges for years. Our focus is on providing dedicated and aggressive legal representation for those facing serious criminal charges.

Whether you are facing charges of burglary, shoplifting, theft by taking, or robbery, we will use our experience and knowledge to develop a customized defense strategy that works for your situation. We know how daunting and overwhelming criminal charges can be, but with the right representation, you can fight back and protect your future.

Why Choose The Mazloom Law Firm LLC for Your Defense?

At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we offer personalized, one-on-one legal representation to individuals facing burglary and theft charges in Milton and the surrounding areas. We understand the impact criminal charges can have on your life and are dedicated to protecting your rights.

Here are a few reasons why clients choose our firm:

Experience in the Local Courts: With years of experience defending clients in Milton, we understand the local legal procedures, judges, and prosecutors. This knowledge is critical in building a defense strategy that aligns with local court practices.
Aggressive Defense: We are not afraid to challenge the evidence against you or negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed. Our goal is to minimize the consequences of the charges you face.
Personalized Attention: Every case is different, and we take the time to get to know the details of your case. We will work closely with you to understand your goals and priorities, ensuring that your defense strategy is tailored to your needs.
Commitment to Your Future: We believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Our team is passionate about helping our clients get back on track and ensuring that their future is not defined by a criminal charge.

Burglary & Theft Charges in Milton

Theft and burglary charges are taken very seriously in Georgia. Whether you are accused of breaking and entering, stealing merchandise from a store, or taking someone’s property without consent, the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Here’s what you need to know about these charges.

Burglary Charges in Milton (OCGA § 16-7-1)

Burglary occurs when a person unlawfully enters a building or structure with the intent to commit a crime inside, such as theft or vandalism. Burglary charges can arise from many situations, including entering someone’s home, business, or car without permission.

There are two main types of burglary in Georgia:

First-Degree Burglary: This is the most serious form of burglary and occurs when someone unlawfully enters a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime. If you are convicted of first-degree burglary in Georgia, you face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Second-Degree Burglary: This involves unlawfully entering a non-residential structure, such as a store or office, with the intent to commit a crime. While still a felony, second-degree burglary carries a less severe penalty than first-degree burglary, with sentences ranging from 3 to 7 years.

Even if you never actually steal anything or cause harm during a break-in, you can still face serious charges under Georgia law.

Theft Charges in Milton (OCGA § 16-8-2)

Theft by taking, or simply theft, refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent to deprive them of it. Theft charges can vary based on the value of the stolen property and the nature of the offense. Some common types of theft charges include:

Theft by Taking: This is the most basic form of theft, where a person takes property from another individual without permission. The severity of the charge depends on the value of the property taken. If the value exceeds $1,500, the charge becomes a felony, which could lead to substantial penalties.
Shoplifting: If you are accused of stealing merchandise from a retail store, you could face shoplifting charges. In Georgia, shoplifting can be either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the value of the stolen goods. Even a small amount of merchandise can lead to significant penalties, especially if you have prior convictions.
Robbery: Robbery charges are more severe and involve using force or threats to steal property from another person. Robbery is a felony offense in Georgia, and a conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Penalties for Burglary & Theft in Georgia

The penalties for burglary and theft in Georgia depend on the circumstances of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. Below are some of the potential penalties for burglary and theft convictions:

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, the defendant could face 1 to 10 years in prison.
Theft by Taking (Misdemeanor): If the value of the property is below $1,500, the defendant could face a sentence of up to 1 year in jail.
Shoplifting (Felony): If the value of the stolen merchandise exceeds $500, the defendant could face a felony conviction with penalties of 1 to 5 years in prison.

As you can see, burglary and theft charges come with severe consequences in Georgia. That’s why it’s critical to hire a skilled defense attorney who can help mitigate the penalties and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

The Criminal Justice Process for Burglary & Theft Cases in Milton

If you’re facing burglary or theft charges in Milton, it’s important to understand the criminal justice process. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

1. Investigation

The criminal process begins with an investigation by local law enforcement. In Milton, this typically involves the Milton Police Department gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, and physical evidence from the crime scene.

2. Arrest

If law enforcement believes they have enough evidence to charge you with burglary or theft, you will be arrested. Following your arrest, you will be booked into jail and held until your first appearance hearing.

3. First Appearance & Bond Hearing

At the first appearance hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you and decide whether to set bond. If you are eligible for bond, it’s important to work with your attorney to argue for a reasonable bond amount.

4. Arraignment

At the arraignment, you will formally enter a plea to the charges. The judge will then set a trial date and schedule pre-trial hearings. At this stage, your attorney can file motions to dismiss the charges or suppress evidence if there are legal issues with the case.

5. Pre-Trial Hearings & Discovery

Both the prosecution and defense will engage in discovery, where each side exchanges evidence and witness information. Pre-trial motions may also be filed to challenge the evidence or ask the judge to exclude certain testimony.

6. Trial

If your case goes to trial, the prosecution will present evidence to prove your guilt, and your defense attorney will present arguments and evidence to support your innocence. The burden of proof rests with the prosecution, and they must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

7. Verdict & Sentencing

After the trial, the jury will render a verdict. If you are found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence. Your defense attorney will advocate for the least severe penalties possible, and may file motions for reduced sentencing.

8. Appeals

If convicted, you have the right to appeal the verdict or sentencing. An appellate court will review your case for legal errors and could potentially overturn the conviction or reduce the sentence.

Possible Defenses for Burglary & Theft Charges

There are several legal defenses that may be used to challenge burglary and theft charges in Milton. Some common defenses include:

Lack of Intent: Burglary requires the intent to commit a crime once inside the building. If there was no intent to commit a crime, you cannot be convicted of burglary.
Mistaken Identity: If you were wrongfully identified as the perpetrator, we will work to show that you were not involved in the crime.
False Accusations: In some cases, individuals are falsely accused of theft or burglary due to personal conflicts, misunderstandings, or fabricated evidence.
Insufficient Evidence: If the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, your case may be dismissed or result in an acquittal.

Contact The Mazloom Law Firm LLC for Experienced Criminal Defense

If you are facing burglary or theft charges in Milton, you need a skilled attorney who will fight for your rights. At The Mazloom Law Firm LLC, we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact us today at 770-590-9837 to schedule a free consultation with Mazi Mazloom. We will help you understand the charges you are facing and develop a defense strategy tailored to your case.

Let us help you protect your rights and secure your future. Call now to begin your defense. Take control of your future today with The Mazloom Law Firm LLC.