A Georgia simple assault charge involves an attempt to commit an assault or an act that places another in fear that they will be assaulted. The charge is a misdemeanor punishable by a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. If the victim was a family member, the charge is called a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. The punishment is still 12 months in jail but the offender can only receive time served credit for four days. So if the offender is given 180 days in jail, he or she must serve 176 days. The fine for a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature is up to $5,000. The offender will also likely be placed on probation and ordered to perform customer service.