Crimes Against Public Health or Morals

Crimes Against Public Health or Morals in Georgia

There are thousands of criminal laws that strive to protect our citizens across the United States. Every state in the United States has their own set of laws as well as the federal government. Some of the statutes criminalize certain actions in order to preserve public order, safety, and health. They are considered crimes against public health or morals.

At Lawson and Berry, our offices have been dealing exclusively with criminal defense for over 20 years. We can handle your case no matter the situation and have experience with Crimes against Public Health or Morals in Georgia. A conviction for a crime against Public Health or Morals will have a significant impact on you and your loved ones. Don't take a chance trying to represent yourself; let one of our experienced Georgia Criminal Lawyers assist you. We will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your case and will walk you through every step of the court process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Crimes Against Public Health or Morals in Georgia Include:

  • Advertisement or Solicitation for Participation in Lotteries: Gambling is illegal in Georgia and advertising or soliciting for participation in lotteries is a crime. It occurs when a person tries to persuade another through ad or solicitation to participate in a lottery. 
  • Advertising Commercial Gambling: Georgia has strict regulations criminalizing gambling. Commercial gambling occurs when a person knowingly publish or advertise any lottery. There are multiple ways a person can be guilty of violating this law. 
  • Altered Fare Coins, Tokens, Stored Value Cards, Transfers, Transaction Cards, and Tickets Without Consent: This crime occurs when a person attempts to gain entry by unlawful means. It can be through the use of altered fare coins, tokens, transaction cards, or tickets. A conviction under this statute will be considered a misdemeanor.  
  • Avoiding or Interfering with a Security Measure: There are two separate ways to violate this statute. One way is when a person avoids a security measure. The second way is when a person interferes with a security measure.
  • Bribery of a Contestant: Bribery a contestant occurs when a person bribes or attempts to bribe a person to influence a game, contest, or race. The bribe can be meant to influence the person to lose the game or to affect the margin of victory or defeat. A person convicted of bribing a contestant will be a felony conviction. 
  • Buying or Selling or Offering to Buy or Sell Human Body Parts: We treat human remains with respect and Georgia law deems it a crime to buy or sell human body parts. There is an exception however, when they are used for medical or scientific purposes. 
  • Failure to File or Maintain Records in Regards to an Abortion: There are numerous reports that have to be filed when an abortion is conducted. The hospitals must file reports as well as the physicians. A failure to file will be considered a misdemeanor offense.  
  • Failure to Post Nicotine Warning: It is illegal to sell tobacco related products to people under 18 years of age. Therefore, every establishment that sells those products must have a sign stating that it is illegal to sell to people that are not at least 18 years old. 
  • Gambling: Georgia's gambling laws are extremely strict and come with heavy consequences. There are many ways that a person can be guilty of gambling in Georgia. 
  • Intentionally Interfering with Safety or Traffic Control Devices: Georgia law outlines two categories where a person can be guilty of intentionally interfering with safety or traffic control devices. A person convicted under the statute will be guilty of a felony. 
  • Keeping a Gambling Place: A person can be convicted of keeping a gambling place in Georgia if they permit any property they own to be used as a gambling place. However, evidence must be presented that the suspect knowingly permitted their property to be used. A person convicted under the statute will be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. 
  • Pyramid Schemes: Most people are familiar with the concept of pyramid schemes. However, many people are unaware of the severe penalties associated with participating in or promoting pyramid schemes. 
  • Removal of Body Parts from Scene of Death or Dismemberment: Georgia considers it a crime for anyone to remove body parts or dismember a body from the scene of a death. An exception to this offense is an officer acting within their lawful duties. Anyone convicted of removing body parts will be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravate nature. 
  • Smoking in Public Places: Over the past decade, businesses and communities have decided to crack down on allowing smoking. Smoking in public places in Georgia is punished by a fine between $100 and $500. 
  • Soliciting or Accepting a Bribe to Influence Outcome of Athletic Contests, Sporting Events, or Exhibitions: Soliciting or accepting a bribe to influence the outcome of athletic contests applies to multiple people beside athletes. Other people that can be charged with this crime include trainers, managers, referees, and coaches. Furthermore, even though soliciting may seem like a minor act, it will be charged as a felony. 
  • Tattooing: Businesses that perform tattoos have a variety of laws that apply to them. From where tattoos can be placed to the age of the person receiving the tattoo, it is important to remain up to date on the current law. 

Penalty for a Conviction for a Crime Against Public Health or Morals in Georgia

A conviction for a crime that falls under this category varies greatly depending on the offense. However, the majority of the crimes are considered felony convictions and include prison and fines. The prison time ranges from one year to twenty years and the fine could be $1,000.00 or $20,000.00. Because of the wide range of penalties, it is crucial that you retain a Georgia Crime Against Public Health or Morals Lawyer to help you through the process.

How a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

One of the major benefits to having a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney is that they can try to work out a better deal with the prosecutor than you would get on your own. Whether it is trying to get the charges lowered or argue your innocence, your Lawyer can help get you a more favorable outcome. Every case is different therefore there is no defense that works for every crime. Your Georgia Lawyer will examine your case to determine what your best arguments are and seek to create gaps in the prosecutor's case.

Contact Us

After practicing for 20 plus years throughout Georgia, the Office of Lawson and Berry know how to work out deals with the prosecutor. Don't try to handle it on your own. Your Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney will investigate all the details surrounding your case and evaluate your options. They will be available all the time to you – even nights and weekends – because your case is important. Lawson and Berry and their team of Lawyers will work with you to fight your charge and avoid a conviction. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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