Domestic Dispute Crimes on the Rise Since Georgia Shelter in Place

It should come as no surprise that individuals are facing more stress and high tensions as a result of COVID-19 and the subsequent Shelter in Place Order.

This has led to a decrease in crime on the street - but has also led to an increase in domestic crimes. According to reports out of Fayette County, a teenager has been accused of several chimers including battery and aggravated assault in Georgia.

Police were called to the scene of a residence several times this past week. First was for an initial fight then again after the teenager allegedly pointed a gun at family members.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline one of the offenses the young suspect is facing - battery in Georgia.

Battery in Georgia

Battery in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §16-5-23 as:

A person commits the offense of battery when he or she intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm to another.

Visible bodily harm means bodily harm capable of being perceived by a person other than the victim and may include, but is not limited to, substantially blackened eyes, substantially swollen lips or other facial or body parts, or substantial bruises to body parts.

Battery is classified as a misdemeanor offense. A battery conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail and $1,000 in fines.

Furthermore, the term "family violence" means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children, or other persons living or formerly living in the same household: any felony or the commission of battery as well as assault, criminal trespass, etc. 

Practice Note

Call us now if you or a loved one has been arrested in the state of Georgia.