Revocation of Hunting License in Georgia
Georgia has a myriad of laws relating to weapon possession. The penalties range from misdemeanor charges to felony charges with lengthy prison terms and extensive fines. However, sometimes violating a weapons law in Georgia means that your hunting license is revoked. If your hunting license is in danger, contact one of our Georgia Revocation of Hunting License Lawyers now. Our team has more than 50 combined years of criminal defense experience.
Offenses that Can Lead to a Revocation of Your Hunting License in Georgia
There are two offenses that can lead to your hunting license being revoked.
Using a Firearm or Archery Tackle in a Manner that Endangers Another
O.C.G.A. § 16-11-108(a) states:
Any person who while hunting wildlife uses a firearm or archery tackle in a manner to endanger the bodily safety of another person by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that his act or omission will cause harm to or endanger the safety of another person and the disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation is guilty of a misdemeanor.
However, if such conduct results in serious bodily harm to another person, the person engaging in such conduct shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years, or both.
In addition to the penalties listed above, the arresting officer will also take the hunting license of the accused. A copy of the citation will then be forwarded to the Game and Fish Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
While waiting for their case to be adjudicated, the accused may obtain a temporary hunting license. In order to obtain a temporary hunting license, the accused must present to the director of the Game and Fish Division of the DNR a certificate of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course prescribed by the Board of Natural Resources. A temporary hunting license issued under such circumstances will be valid until the next March 31 or until suspended or revoked. The director of the Game and Fish Division of the DNR may renew the temporary hunting license during the pendency of charges.
If the accused is not convicted of violating the statute, then their license will be returned to them. However, if convicted, then the court will forward the accused's hunting license and a copy of the disposition of the case to the Game and Fish Division of the Department of Natural Resources. At that time, the person will also have to surrender any temporary hunting licenses.
If convicted of violating O.C.G.A. § 16-11-108, then the accused will be ineligible for a hunting license for five years from the date of conviction. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-110.
Unlawful Acts While Charges are Pending
The second way a person can have their license revoked is by engaging in certain activities while their hunting license is revoked.
While a case is pending, and your hunting license has been revoked, it is unlawful for the accused to:
- Hunt without a license; or
- Possess a Georgia hunting license other than a lawfully issued temporary hunting license. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-109
A person who is convicted of an unlawful act while charges are pending will be guilty of a felony and will face the punishment of a fine up to $5,000, a prison term between one and five years, or both.
Furthermore, the accused will be ineligible for a hunting license for five years from the date of conviction. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-110.
Our Georgia Weapons Attorneys Can Help With Your Case Now
Our weapon lawyers in Georgia can help you if you are facing criminal charges involving your hunting license. We understand that hunting is a way of providing for your family in some cases, and we want to help you get your license back. We will carefully review your particular charges and determine what the best options are. You have rights, even when arrested and charged with a crime. It is our job to uphold these rights and to make the law work in your favor!
There are always Georgia Criminal Defenses we can use to defend you. Our office is here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions. Call now for a free consultation.
