Non-Violent Crimes In The State Of Georgia

There is a common misconception for many people that so called “victimless” crimes are somehow less egregious, less terrifying, and are less of a threat to the fabric of civilized society. This is, of course, not how the authorities regard such crimes. Non-violent crimes involve victims just as much as violent crimes do. For the state of Georgia, there are an array of non-violent, but still very serious crimes that could bring an offender significant fines and prison time.

Drug And Theft Crimes

Often, offenders charged with drug and theft felonies are classified as non-violent offenders, due to the non-violent nature of their crimes. Since many drug charges are for simple possession or purchase, there is nothing about them that can be considered violent. Also, offenders charged with petty or grand theft, or burglary with no one present, will usually be charged as non-violent offenses. They can carry anywhere from two years to 10 years in prison, though much of that time can be served through probation for first time offenders.

Resisting Arrest

Under Georgia law, a suspect may be arrested with or without a warrant by any law enforcement officer or investigator. You are not allowed to evade an officer of the law, or to resist in any way to an attempt to arrest you. Any such evasion or attempt can lead to an offender being additionally charged with felony for resisting arrest. It is also illegal to interfere in any way with law enforcement officers attempting to arrest another person. You cannot interrupt or interfere in any way. To do so could lead to a felony charge of resisting arrest or obstruction.

Obstruction Of Justice

An offender is performing obstruction of justice if they interfere or interrupt, or actually cause the prevention of a law enforcement investigation by any means. Whether it is by force, by threat of force, bribery, graft, intimidation, fraud, conspiracy or witness tampering, an offender attempting to do any of these during the course of an investigation is subject to an obstruction of justice charge. Offenders charged with obstruction of justice face significant fines and up to five years in prison.

Disorderly Conduct

An offender who commits disorderly conduct is an offender engaging in any number of “nuisance behavior” including public intoxication, belligerence, disturbing the peace, loitering and many others. Generally, disorderly conduct charges are considered misdemeanors, and subject to mostly fines. In some cases, probation or jail time will also be included in the sentence. Under Georgia law, the use of “fighting words,” speech that is intended to intentionally incite violence between two or more people, also falls under disorderly conduct.

Misdemeanor Harassment

An offender who commits unwanted advances or telephone calls to another person, or who engages in intentionally aggravating, obscene and intimidating behavior toward another person can be charged with harassment. Most cases of harassment stem from or lead to other crimes, such as assault, domestic violence or robbery. Harassment is most often a misdemeanor offense, and offenders often are sentenced to a fine, though in certain cases jail time can also be included.

Our Columbus GA criminal defense lawyers handle the following non-violent crimes in Georgia:

• Perjury
• Extortion
• Gambling
• Protective order violation
• Disorderly conduct
• Conspiracy
• Computer crimes
• Aiding and abetting
• Accessory