We help people in their teens and twenties navigate burglary charges in the criminal justice system. If you or a loved one has been charged with burglary in Cherokee County, GA, or any of the surrounding areas, contact our office immediately to discuss your options.
Are You Facing Burglary Charges in Cherokee County, GA?
In Georgia, burglary is defined as unlawfully entering or remaining in a structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft. This definition includes several important elements:
- The “structure” can be many things: a home, store, vacant building, dorm room, or even a private area within a public space
- Burglary does not require breaking and entering—walking through an unlocked door still counts
- You don’t need to actually steal anything or commit another crime to be charged—the intent is what matters
- Entering a dwelling (a place where people live) is considered more serious than other structures
Many people mistakenly believe burglary always involves breaking into a home at night to steal valuables. In reality, the legal definition is much broader, which is why so many young people find themselves facing these serious charges without fully understanding the implications.
Types of Burglary Charges and Their Consequences in Georgia
Georgia recognizes different degrees of burglary, with varying levels of severity:
First-Degree Burglary
- Involves entering a dwelling with intent to commit a felony or theft
- A felony offense carrying 1-20 years in prison for first offense
- Home invasion, a more serious form, can result in even stricter penalties
Second-Degree Burglary
- Involves entering a building other than a dwelling with intent to commit a felony or theft
- A felony offense carrying 1-5 years in prison for first offense
Smash and Grab Burglary
- Entering a retail establishment with the intent to steal merchandise
- Often involves breaking windows or display cases
- Carries penalties similar to second-degree burglary
For young adults, these potential consequences extend far beyond just jail time. A burglary conviction can affect:
- College admissions and financial aid
- Employment opportunities
- Housing applications
- Professional licensing
- Immigration status
- Voting rights
Facing burglary charges in Cherokee County or one of the neighboring areas? Time is not on your side. It’s time to act now. Contact us today.
Special Considerations for Young Adults Facing Burglary Charges
For people in their teens and twenties, burglary charges can be particularly damaging. At this crucial stage of life, when you’re building your education and career foundation, a felony conviction can derail your plans and close doors of opportunity.
Teens under 17 may face proceedings in juvenile court, where there’s more emphasis on rehabilitation than punishment. However, the juvenile system still has serious consequences:
- Detention in a juvenile facility for up to 5 years for serious cases
- Restrictive custody that separates you from family, school, and normal life
- Probation with strict requirements
- Court-mandated counseling or educational programs
In Georgia, 17-year-olds are prosecuted as adults, facing the full range of adult penalties despite their young age.
Common Scenarios Leading to Burglary Charges
- Entering abandoned buildings – Exploring vacant properties, even without taking anything
- Entering a business after hours – Going into a closed business, even if the door was unlocked
- Entering a residence during a party – Going into bedrooms or other areas of a house during a gathering without permission
- Dorm room or apartment entry – Entering a roommate’s or neighbor’s space without permission
- Prank-related entries – What starts as a joke can lead to serious charges
Our Approach to Burglary Defense
Our approach to defending your burglary charges entirely depends on your goals.
While some law firms will tell you they have a particular way of handling every case, we won’t do that. The strategy that is developed for your case must be in alignment with your short-term and long-term goals. If we determine that it makes sense for you and our team to work together, then we will spend time getting to know and understand your goals.
When you work with our Cherokee County burglary defense team, we start by learning:
- Where you are in life right now
- What your plans are for your future
- Your specific goals for this case
- How this situation could impact your life in both the short and long term
Our defense strategies for burglary cases often focus on:
Challenging the Intent Element
- Was there actually an intent to commit a theft or felony?
- Could this be reduced to criminal trespass instead?
Examining the Evidence
- Is there sufficient evidence linking you to the scene?
- Were there issues with how evidence was collected?
Exploring Mitigating Factors
- Is this a first offense?
- Were there circumstances that should be considered?
Negotiating Alternative Resolutions
- Diversion programs
- First offender protection
- Reduced charges
- Alternative sentencing
For juvenile cases, our team has extensive experience working within the juvenile court system to advocate for less restrictive dispositions that protect a young person’s future opportunities.
Why Young Adults and Parents Choose Our Firm
Our firm focuses specifically on defending people in their teens and twenties because we understand the unique challenges and high stakes they face in the criminal justice system. When it comes to burglary charges, our clients and their families choose us because:
- We understand the developmental factors unique to young adults
- We recognize that a young person’s future shouldn’t be defined by a single mistake
- We have specific experience with Cherokee County courts and prosecutors
- We develop personalized strategies based on each client’s unique goals
- We communicate clearly throughout the process, without legal jargon
- We consider the whole person, not just the case
Take the Next Step — Learn How We Can Help With Your Burglary Case
If you or someone you care about is facing burglary charges in Cherokee County, contact our legal team to see if we can help. Meet with a member of our team to learn what your best next steps are.
The prosecution is already building their case. Don’t wait to get help. Take the next step to protect your future. Call our office now to get started.
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