Theft in Georgia — Article 177: penalties
Theft is secretly taking someone else's movable property in order to unlawfully keep it (Article 177 of the Criminal Code of Georgia). "Secretly" means the owner or others don't see or realise it is happening.
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What is the penalty
| When | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Basic offence | A fine, house arrest from 6 months to 1 year, or imprisonment from 1 to 3 years |
| Significant damage (over GEL 150) or breaking into premises or storage | House arrest from 1 to 2 years or imprisonment from 3 to 5 years |
| By a group by prior agreement; repeatedly; by breaking into a home; against a vehicle | Imprisonment from 4 to 7 years |
| By an organised group; on a large scale (over GEL 10,000); by a person convicted twice or more | Imprisonment from 6 to 10 years |
Penalties follow the current text of the Criminal Code of Georgia. In a specific case the outcome depends on the circumstances, compensation of damage, a plea agreement and other factors.
What matters for the defence
- Correct valuation of the property — it decides which part of the article applies
- Whether the taking was secret and with intent to keep it
- Video recordings, identification and seizure records
- Compensating the damage and settling with the victim
If you are accused or arrested
- Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer — from the first contact with the investigating authority
- Don't sign any document you don't understand
- You must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the next 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure
- Decide on compensating the damage or settling with the victim together with your lawyer
If you are a victim
- Call 112 or go to the police or the prosecutor's office
- Keep the evidence: photos, video, messages, receipts, witnesses' contacts
- Ask for victim status — it gives you rights in the case, for example to be informed about its progress
- You can claim compensation for the damage — a lawyer will help
Questions & answers
What is the penalty for theft in Georgia?
For the basic offence — a fine, house arrest or 1 to 3 years in prison. Significant damage, breaking into a home, acting as a group or a large amount make it harsher — up to 10 years.
What counts as significant damage?
Property worth more than GEL 150. Over GEL 10,000 counts as a large amount.
How is theft different from robbery?
Theft is secret; robbery (Article 178) is open — the property is taken while the owner or others see and realise it.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Related practice area: Property crimes
Crimes and penalties
Robbery (open theft)
Article 178Openly taking someone else's property. Penalties range from a fine to 11 years, depending on the damage, violence and other factors.Violent robbery
Article 179An attack to take property, with violence dangerous to life or health or the threat of it. Penalty: 5 to 15 years.Extortion
Article 181Demanding money or property under threat of violence, damage or spreading compromising information. Up to 9 years.Embezzlement
Article 182Unlawfully keeping or spending property or money you were entrusted with — often at work. Up to 11 years.Damage to property
Article 187Damaging or destroying someone else's property causing significant damage. Penalties from a fine to 12 years.Bodily harm
Article 117, 118, 120Intentional minor, less serious and serious bodily harm — penalties from a fine to 14 years.Hooliganism
Article 239A gross breach of public order with violence or the threat of violence. Penalties from a fine to 7 years.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
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