Georgia Crimes: Laws & Penalties

Expunging or Sealing Adult Criminal Records in Georgia

Georgia refers to expungement as record restriction. Record restriction can offer those who qualify an opportunity to remove criminal record barriers to employment, licensing, housing, and other opportunities.

Georgia Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for bringing criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.

Georgia Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

In Georgia, misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by a sentence of one year or less in county jail. Misdemeanors in Georgia are classified as either misdemeanors or misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature.

Georgia Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences

All crimes punishable by a sentence of one year or more in prison are felonies under Georgia’s laws. Unlike many states, Georgia does not designate crimes by class.

Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in Georgia

Like all states, Georgia may suspend or revoke your driver’s license for varied reasons. A suspension typically means a temporary withdrawal of your driving privileges.

Georgia Minor in Possession of Alcohol Charges and Penalties

The State of Georgia has minor in possession (MIP) laws to prevent anyone under the age of 21 to consume or possess alcoholic beverages. These laws seek to discourage minors from drinking and committing other serious crimes.

Georgia Public Intoxication Laws

In Georgia, public intoxication is referred to as "public drunkenness" and is a class B misdemeanor. Georgia's laws state that you do not have to be drunk to be arrested for public drunkenness.

Possession of a Controlled Substance in Georgia

Georgia classifies not only well-known drugs like marijuana, heroin and cocaine as controlled substances, but also the compounds used to manufacture them.

Georgia Misdemeanor and Felony Theft and Shoplifting Laws

In Georgia, a person commits theft by unlawfully taking, appropriating, or converting another’s property or services with the intent of depriving the owner of their lawful possession, use, or right to the property or services.

Auto Theft Laws in Georgia

In Georgia, most vehicle theft offenses carry the possibility of felony penalties. This article will cover the crimes and penalties for vehicle theft, unlawful entry into a vehicle, vehicle hijacking (carjacking), and joyriding.

Georgia Laws on Robbery and Armed Robbery

A robbery involves taking property directly from, or in the immediate presence of, an individual—whether by force, threat, intimidation, or sudden snatching. Armed robbery adds the element of using or appearing to use a weapon.

Weapons Charges in Georgia

Learn about Georgia’s gun laws from constitutional carry to prohibited persons and places.

Stun Gun Laws in Georgia

You don’t need a permit to buy a stun gun or Taser in Georgia, but there are a few restrictions on where and how these weapons may be used.

Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking Laws in Georgia

Cyberbullying and cyberstalking are not only harmful, but they can also cross the line to criminal conduct. Where and how does Georgia draw the line?

Georgia Assault and Battery Laws

In Georgia, assault and battery crimes consist of simple assault, aggravated assault, simple battery, battery, and aggravated battery.

Georgia Family Violence Laws

Georgia defines family violence as a felony or certain misdemeanors committed by a family member. Family violence offenses typically carry greater potential penalties than identical violent acts committed by non-family members. A conviction can mean jail or prison time, firearm restrictions, and restraining orders.

Georgia Aggravated Assault and Battery Laws

Aggravated assault and aggravated battery carry serious penalties in Georgia, including mandatory minimum sentences ranging from three to 25 years in prison.

Georgia Sexting Laws for Teens and Minors

In Georgia, teens and minors accused of sexting images of or to a minor can be charged with a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances involved.

Georgia Rape, Sodomy, and Sexual Battery Laws

Under Georgia’s laws, a person who engages in sexual behavior with others against their will can be convicted of rape, sodomy, or sexual battery depending on the circumstances.

Georgia Statutory Rape Laws

A person who commits statutory rape or a related crime in Georgia can face serious criminal penalties, including lengthy terms of imprisonment and substantial fines.

Prostitution, Pimping, and Pandering Laws in Georgia

Prostitution, pimping, and pandering are crimes under Georgia law. These offenses carry enhanced penalties under specified circumstances, particularly when minors are involved. In some situations, convicted persons must register as sex offenders.

Transmitting an STD in Georgia

Like many other states, Georgia makes it a criminal offense to pass some sexually transmitted diseases to others in some situations. In Georgia, state law allows for criminal penalties in limited situations where someone with either HIV or hepatitis engages in specific kinds of activity.