Braves Fan Arrested at Game

According to reports out of Cobb County, a Braves fan is facing a felony charge of criminal damage to property.

The charges stem from an incident during the playoff game against the Cardinals. The man is claiming that it was all a misunderstanding and completely unintentional.

He was allegedly cheering on the Braves when he accidentally shattered a glass panel in front of the field. He was arrested shortly after the event and released on bond.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the offense of criminal damage to property.

Criminal Damage to Property in Georgia

Criminal Damage to Property is broken down by Georgia Law into two different degrees. 

First Degree Criminal Damage to Property in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-7-22 as:

A person commits the offense of criminal damage to property in the first degree when he:

(1) Knowingly and without authority interferes with any property in a manner so as to endanger human life; or

(2) Knowingly and without authority and by force or violence interferes with the operation of any system of public communication, public transportation, sewerage, drainage, water supply, gas, power, or other public utility service or with any constituent property thereof.

First degree criminal damage to property is classified in Georgia as a felony offense. This means that if a person is convicted of first degree criminal damage to property, then he or she is facing anywhere from one to ten years in prison.

Second Degree Criminal Damage to Property in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. § 16-7-23 as:

A person commits the offense of criminal damage to property in the second degree when he:

(1) Intentionally damages any property of another person without his consent and the damage thereto exceeds $500.00; or

(2) Recklessly or intentionally, by means of fire or explosive, damages property of another person.

Second degree criminal damage to property is classified in Georgia as a felony offense as well. However, if a person is convicted of second degree criminal damage to property, then he or she is facing anywhere from one to five years in prison.