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Marietta Burglary Criminal Defense Attorney

Protecting Your Freedom

A serious theft crime offense, burglary is committed when a person enters the property of another, with the intent to commit a felony or theft while inside. This hazy legal definition means that an actual theft does not have to occur in order for an individual to be charged, prosecuted or convicted for burglary. It also means that prosecutors only have to focus on a person's intent, a difficult legal element to prove.

At The Merchant Law Firm, our Marietta criminal defense attorneys have spent nearly two decades refining our legal skills and gaining insight into the ways prosecutors handle burglary cases. With this insight, our legal team can craft effective defense plans built around tearing down the prosecution's case and proving your innocence.

According to Georgia Code § 16-7-1, burglary carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years. Multiple convictions can also increase the mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment, with a minimum of two years for a second conviction and a minimum of five years for a third conviction. Georgia also makes burglary of a retail establishment a separate theft crime offense.

Known as a smash and grab burglary, these charges can be prosecuted when a person enters a retail establishment with the intent to commit a theft and causes damage in excess of $500. Penalties include imprisonment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of 20 years, fines of up to $100,000, or both. Multiple convictions can also result in enhanced penalties.

Retain the Experienced Defense You Need from a Marietta Criminal Lawyer

Marietta plays host to a significant amount of property and theft crimes, with rates among the highest in the nation. This means that the court system is inundated with theft crime and burglary cases, which can stretch the abilities and resources of law enforcement officers and prosecutors thin.

This can result in numerous wrongful arrests and a number of crucial mistakes or violations. Given these circumstances, anyone accused of burglary should protect their right to defend themselves with the assistance of an attorney and feel confident that these charges can be beat.

Make no mistake that burglary cases are difficult for everyone involved. With the assistance of our proven lawyers, however, you can be better prepared to protect your rights and your future against these crippling criminal penalties. Contact The Merchant Law Firm as soon as possible to learn how we can fight for you!

Why You Should Entrust Our Firm:

  • Respected Legal Commentator

    Ashleigh Merchant is frequently featured on local and national news media, where she is asked to share her commentary on major cases.

  • Super Lawyers Rising Star, Ashleigh Merchant

    Included in the 2014 Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ edition. This list is compiled after thorough peer reviews and nominations.

  • Repeat Rising Star Winner, John B. Merchant

    Named among the Georgia Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ for 2009 through 2011. The list includes 2.5% of attorneys in the state.

  • Earned "Superb" Ratings on Avvo - 10.0

    Both our attorneys have earned the prestigious 10.0 Superb score on Avvo, which is the highest rating an attorney can receive.

Former Client Testimonials

  • “Sending a thank you to Ashleigh...”

    Happy Client

  • “She was an aggressive advocate for my case...”

    Happy Client

  • “She successfully helped me avoid jail and a DUI charge...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh was instrumental in helping me settle and dismiss my charges...”

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  • “Jennifer and Ashleigh were always there to listen to my concerns and genuinely cared about my son and his case...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ashleigh is easy to talk to and compassionate, she treats you like a personal friend...”

    Happy Client

  • “I will definitely be providing great reviews as well as referring anyone who may ever need help in this area of problems...”

    Happy Client

  • “Merchant Law Firm are so easy to talk to and they always answer my questions...”

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  • “Ms. Merchant was fierce when she argued my case...”

    Happy Client

  • “Ms. Merchant always made me feel like my case was a priority for her...”

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  • “Ashleigh is a top appeal attorney...”

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