Have you Been Charged with Advertisement or Solicitation for Participation in Lotteries?

It is well known that gambling is illegal in Georgia and Georgia gambling laws are relatively strict. It is essential to understand that it is not just gambling that is illegal but many other offenses go along with it. One example is advertising or soliciting people to participate in lotteries or gambling. If you or a loved one have been charged with this crime, contact The Law Office of Lawson and Berry immediately. We have over 50 combined years of criminal defense experience and are ready to assist you.

O.C.G.A. §16-12-27 reads as follows:

It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, firm, corporation, or other entity to sell, distribute, podcast, or disseminate any advertisement, television or radio commercial, or any book, periodical, newspaper, or other written or printed matter containing an advertisement or solicitation for participation in any lottery declared to be unlawful by the laws of this state.

According to the statute, the solicitation can appear in many different ways: print, television, podcast, and the list goes on. Furthermore, more than one person can be convicted of violating this provision. Corporations can be held liable as well as single people.

Penalty for Violating O.C.G.A. §16-12-27

If convicted of advertising or soliciting people to participate in a lottery, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. In Georgia, misdemeanor convictions carry a penalty of up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, or both.

Defenses to Advertising or Soliciting Participation in Lotteries

If charged with this crime, the most successful defense will be if the advertisement, commercial, or solicitation included the words “void in Georgia” printed on it or the words were spoken during the ad. If the words were legible or audible to persons viewing or hearing the ad, then no crime has occurred. 

The best way to defend against this charge is to hire a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney. A charge is not the same as a conviction so do not give up on your case thinking you have no argument! There are always defenses that can be applied to your case so call our office today and speak with a Georgia Lawyer that specializes in Criminal Defense.

Contact Us

Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you. We understand that criminal charges do not always follow regular working hours and neither do we. We are available whenever you need us so call now and speak with a Georgia Attorney.