Have You Been Charged with Buying, Selling or Offering to Buy or Sell Human Body Parts in Georgia?
The remains of a deceased person are to be treated respectfully and appropriately. Georgia law criminalizes attempts to buy and sell body parts unless they are for medical or scientific purposes. The punishment, if convicted, will be a felony conviction. It is critical to the success of your case that you hire a Buying or Selling Human Body Parts Attorney in Georgia today.
Georgia Law O.C.G.A. §16-12-160 reads as follows:
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to buy or sell, to offer to buy or sell or to assist another in buying or selling or offering to buy or sell a human body, any part of a human body, a human fetus or any part thereof.
However, this code section does not apply to:
- When the purchase or sale is of whole blood, blood plasma, blood products, or hair;
- When the purchase or sale is a gift or donation of a human body
- If the payment is for financial assistance under an insurance plan;
- If the purchase or sale of the body or parts is for health science purposes;
- If the body is given or donated for medical or scientific purposes.
The Penalty for Buying, Selling, or Offering to Buy or Sell Human Body Parts in Georgia
A person convicted under O.C.G.A. §16-12-120 will be guilty of a felony. The code outlines a punishment of a prison term of one to five years, a fine up to $5,000, or both. However, felony convictions carry additional consequences. Having a felony on your background check can make it difficult to get a job, receive credit, or obtain housing. These severe punishments are just one of the many reasons you need to hire a buying or selling human body parts lawyer in Georgia.
Defenses in Georgia
The buying was for one of the covered purposes: There are several exceptions to this rule as outlined above. Evidence that the body or parts were being used to satisfy one of the conditions will be sufficient.
What are Not Defenses
I had permission to sell it from family members: The statute does not state that it is only illegal if you do not have the authority to sell or buy. It is still a crime even if you had consent from the family. However, if this applies to your case contact one of our Selling or Buying Human Body Parts in Georgia Lawyers now and we will work with you to make this a successful argument.
Contact Us
If you have been charged under this statute, you need the best criminal defense attorneys in Georgia. Our office has decades of experience, and we know how to achieve a great outcome in your case. Contact a Georgia Buying or Selling Human Body Parts Lawyer now to see how we can make a difference in your case.
