Being somewhere you shouldn’t doesn’t prove criminal intent. We present innocent explanations and challenge assumptions. Don’t accept 20 years without a fight—call now.
A burglary charge can upend your future, your reputation, and your freedom. If you’re facing burglary allegations in Newnan or anywhere in Coweta County, you need a defense team that knows how to fight felony charges—and win. At J. Ryan Brown Law, we’re not here to judge you. We’re here to protect your rights, confront the evidence, and develop a strategic defense to keep your life on track.
Whether you’re accused of first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, or smash and grab burglary, the stakes are high—and so are the penalties. Our firm knows the Georgia Code inside and out, and we’ll walk you through every phase of your case with clarity, urgency, and confidence.
Under Georgia Code § 16-7-1(b), burglary in the first degree occurs when someone enters or remains in a dwelling without authority and with the intent to commit a felony or theft inside. This includes any occupied, unoccupied, or vacant home or structure used as a residence, such as:
First-degree burglary is always charged as a felony, and the penalties are severe:
These aren’t charges you want to gamble with. You need a lawyer who knows how to challenge both the alleged intent and whether the space qualifies as a “dwelling” under the law.
Second-degree burglary under Georgia law is similar, but instead of a residential dwelling, it involves unauthorized entry into non-dwelling structures, such as:
The element of intent to commit theft or a felony still applies.
Penalties for second-degree burglary include:
While the penalties may seem lighter than first-degree charges, any felony conviction can follow you for life. That includes background checks, housing applications, employment opportunities, and more.
Georgia also has a separate statute for “smash and grab” burglary. You can be charged under O.C.G.A. § 16-7-2 if:
Examples might include breaking a storefront window to steal electronics, merchandise, or cash from a register. This is a separate felony with enhanced penalties:
Because this statute is unique to retail establishments, the prosecutor must prove specific elements—including the extent of the damage and the intent behind your actions. These cases are often built on surveillance footage, witness statements, or store owner testimony. At J. Ryan Brown Law, we scrutinize every piece of evidence for inconsistencies or constitutional violations.
To prove burglary, prosecutors must show you entered the property without permission. But this can get murky fast:
We work to uncover evidence that casts doubt on the alleged unlawful entry—or shows your presence was mischaracterized altogether.
One of the most important elements of a burglary charge is intent. The state must prove that you intended to commit a theft or felony at the time you entered the property. That’s not always as clear-cut as it sounds. Maybe you entered for a completely unrelated reason, or maybe the theft accusation was fabricated. Without solid proof of intent, the prosecution’s case weakens.
The type of structure involved determines whether you face first-degree or second-degree burglary. We’ve seen cases where prosecutors try to stretch the definition of “dwelling” to increase penalties. We push back with facts, legal precedent, and expert testimony when needed.
If law enforcement recovered evidence through an illegal search or improper warrant execution, we move quickly to suppress that evidence. Unlawful police conduct can make or break a burglary case.
No two burglary cases are the same—and your defense shouldn’t be either. Depending on the facts, we may assert defenses such as:
We also explore whether we can resolve the case outside of court through diversion programs, reduction to a misdemeanor, or a dismissal based on lack of evidence.
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At J. Ryan Brown Law, we understand how overwhelming felony charges can feel—but we don’t let fear dictate our strategy. We’ve built our practice on the belief that every person deserves a passionate, thorough, and realistic defense.
Here’s what sets us apart:
This charge doesn’t have to define your life. Whether you’re a first-time defendant or facing repeat charges, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
If you’re being investigated, have been arrested, or believe charges are coming soon, take these steps immediately:
We’ll act quickly to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and build your defense from day one.
Our firm is proud to represent clients across Coweta County and surrounding communities. We handle burglary cases in:
Whether you’re facing your first charge or you’re worried about a prior record complicating things, we tailor our defense to your circumstances and goals.
A burglary charge can lead to serious prison time, a permanent criminal record, and the loss of future opportunities—but you still have options. You have rights. And you have a legal team that’s ready to defend them.
Call J. Ryan Brown Law today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s start fighting back.
