There are numerous theft charges in the State of Georgia, the most common of which is shoplifting. Before we cover the different types of theft offenses and their punishment, it is important to note that because theft is considered a crime of moral turpitude in Georgia it may have immigration consequences for non-citizens. Also, many employers will not hire someone with a conviction for a theft crime.

Misdemeanor Theft

Misdemeanor theft is defined as a theft involving property with a value of $500 or less [except in cases of shoplifting which is $300 or less].

Felony Theft

Felony theft is defined as a theft involving property with a value in excess of $500. [except in cases of shoplifting which is in excess of $300]. In most cases the penalty for felony theft is imprisonment for 1-10 years.

Theft By Shoplifting

• Is a misdemeanor when the value of the merchandise is $300.00 or less.
• Is a felony when:

  • The value of the merchandise exceeds $300.00
  • This is your fourth shoplifting offense regardless of the value of the merchandise
  • You have taken property with a total value of $100.00 from three different stores in the same county within seven days.

Robbery Crimes

A Robbery can occur by:

• Use of force
• Intimidation, threat, a placing the other person in fear of immediate serious injury to himself or another
• By sudden snatching

Punishment for Robbery

• Can be imprisonment for 1-20 years. (If the victim of the robbery is 65 years old or older, the punishment is 5-20 years imprisonment).

Armed Robbery

An armed robbery is a robbery committed with an offensive weapon, or a device having the appearance of such a weapon.

Punishment for Armed Robbery

• In most cases the punishment for armed robbery is no less than 10 years and no more than 20 years in prison