Georgia is a state that has seen a lot of change over the years. As the population has grown and the economic landscape has shifted, so too have the crime rates. From property crimes to violent offenses, the state of Georgia faces a wide range of criminal activity. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the current crime rates in Georgia, the factors contributing to them, and what is being done to reduce crime.
Property Crime
Property crime is a type of crime that involves the theft or destruction of someone’s property. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the rate of property crime per 1,000 residents in the state is higher than the national rate in the United States.
For example, burglary rates in Georgia are lower than the national average (179.7 per 100,000 population versus 271.1). This means that for every 100,000 people living in Georgia, 179.7 reported incidents of burglary occur each year – much higher than the national average.
Larceny
Larceny is a crime involving the unlawful taking of another person’s property without their permission. It is one of the most common forms of theft and can involve taking items as small as a pen or as large as a car. Larceny can be committed through fraud, deception, coercion, or simply by taking an item that does not belong to you. Depending on the value of the item taken and other factors such as whether force was used, larceny can be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor. Regardless of how it is classified, larceny is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.
In Georgia, most of the crimes committed are cases of larceny. In 2021, 61.19% of all crimes committed in the state were larceny.
Violent Crime
Violent crime is any crime that is characterized by the use of physical force, threats, or coercion. It can include murder and rape. In Georgia, according to a report from 2021, the violent crime rate per 100,000 residents was 315.5. This is lower than the national average for the United States which stands at 395.7.
Aggravated Assault
Aggravated assault is a form of violent crime that involves the intentional infliction of serious bodily harm to another person. This type of offense is typically considered to be more severe than simple assault as it often includes the use of a dangerous weapon, such as a gun or knife, and/or results in serious injury or death. Aggravated assaults are typically classified as felonies and can be punishable by hefty fines, jail time, or even life in prison. In Georgia, 13.89% of the crimes committed are aggravated assaults, with 26,113 cases reported in 2021.
Murder
Murder is the intentional killing of another person, which is illegal in most countries. It usually involves malice aforethought and is considered a serious crime. Murder can be classified as first-degree and second-degree, depending on the degree of premeditation that was involved. First-degree murder typically involves planning the killing, while second-degree murder may involve an impulsive act of violence. In most cases, a person found guilty of murder can face life imprisonment or even the death penalty. There were 745 murders in Georgia in 2021, or 0.4% of the total crimes committed.
Safest Cities to Live in Georgia
Some of the safest cities include Johns Creek, Milton, Peachtree City, Alpharetta, and Sandy Springs. Each city offers its own unique features ranging from great schools to beautiful parks and recreation centers. Additionally, many of these cities have job opportunities for those looking for employment or a career change. With its strong economy and good quality of life, Georgia is an excellent place to live and work.
Savannah is a Safe Place to Live
Compared to other areas in Georgia, such as Macon-Bibb County, the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical area has fewer crimes reported and is generally a safer place to live. In Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham Counties, only 1.5% of the state’s crimes occurred here.
Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney Today
In order to get a clear idea of how safe a location is, you have to consider many factors. While crime rates help determine the overall safety of a particular place, each city or neighborhood in Georgia faces unique challenges.
If you or a loved one faces criminal charges, it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Contact Phillips Carson Phillips by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form.