---
title: "Robbery Defense"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/robbery-defense-en"
field: "Criminal Law"
description: "Charged with robbery (Article 178)? Experienced criminal defense lawyers for open theft cases in Georgia on Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-14"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Robbery Defense

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/robbery-defense-en

Robbery is a crime against property involving the open taking of another's movable item for unlawful appropriation. Unlike theft, robbery occurs openly (in the presence of the victim or others) but without the use of violence dangerous to life or health (which characterizes armed robbery/mugging). Article 178 of the Criminal Code of Georgia treats robbery as a serious crime with strict penalties, especially if committed by a group, with prior agreement, by entering a dwelling, or involving large amounts. Qualification issues are common in robbery cases — the accused might be charged with armed robbery (more severe) when only simple robbery occurred, or conversely, theft if the act was noticed. Legal.ge offers experienced criminal defense lawyers who will protect your interests and ensure fair justice.

## What Does Robbery Defense Service Cover?

Defense strategy depends on case circumstances. Services include:

-   **Reclassification of Charges:** Working to reclassify robbery to theft (if the act was covert) or exclude armed robbery (if violence was not life-threatening). Changing qualification significantly reduces the sentence.
-   **Alibi Verification:** If the client is innocent, gathering evidence (cameras, witnesses) that they were elsewhere during the crime.
-   **Reconciliation with Victim:** Compensating damages and settling with the victim can be grounds for sentence mitigation or probation.
-   **Plea Bargaining:** Negotiating with the prosecution to minimize the sentence.
-   **Court Defense:** Representing the client in all court instances.

## Real-World Scenarios When You Need This Service

Robbery charges can arise from:

-   **Snatch and Run:** Snatching a bag from a passerby and running away.
-   **Shoplifting turned Robbery:** When a shop assistant notices theft, but the perpetrator runs away with the item (escalating theft to robbery).
-   **Group Incident:** Taking an item during a fight, which can be qualified as robbery.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/robbery-defense-en

### What is robbery under this article?

Under the first part of the article, robbery is the open appropriation of another's movable property with the aim of unlawful appropriation.

### What punishment is provided for the basic composition?

The first part provides a fine, home arrest for a term from six months to two years, or imprisonment for a term from three to five years.

### What is the severest punishment under this article?

Under the fourth part — robbery committed by an organized group, in large quantity or with repeated convictions — the punishment is imprisonment from seven to eleven years.

### When does robbery move into the third part?

When the conduct is committed by a group under a prior agreement, more than once, through unlawful entry into an apartment, by violence or the threat of it, or against a transport vehicle — in which case the punishment is imprisonment from five to eight years.