Explanation of Compounding a Crime in Georgia

Offenses Related to Judicial Proceedings in Georgia are more difficult to explain because first someone needs to understand the Georgia Criminal Process, and how our court system works. These offenses interfere with the purity of the court system in an attempt to mess with the process.  Offenses, such as compounding a crime, can hinder the ability of a court to achieve a fair trial. 

What does it mean to compound a crime in Georgia?

Compounding a crime in Georgia, in the most simple terms, is when a victim of a crime either 

a) fails to report for court or 

b) agrees to hinder/prevent the prosecution of the offender 

...in exchange for a bribe.

Georgia law defines the offense of compounding a crime as when “after institution of criminal proceedings and without leave of the court or of the prosecuting attorney of the court where the criminal proceedings are pending, a person accepts or agrees to accept any benefit in consideration of a promise, express or implied, not to prosecute or aid in the prosecution of a criminal offense.” O.C.G.A. §16-5-90.

How do you get a conviction of compounding a crime?

To be convicted, the State of Georgia will have to demonstrate that the accused person is guilty of two main elements beyond a reasonable doubt. First, that the accused person either accepted or agreed to accept a benefit. Second, that the benefit was accepted or agreed to be accepted for the purpose of refraining from prosecution.

The penalties for compounding a crime:

• If a person is convicted of compounding a felony crime then he or she will be guilty of a felony. The felony conviction can include a fine up to $1,000, one to give years in prison, or both. 
• If a person is convicted of compounding a misdemeanor crime then he or she will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The misdemeanor conviction can include a fine up to $1,000, up to 12 months in jail, or both. 
  

If you or a loved one has been charged with compounding a crime or another offense related to judicial proceedings in Georgia, then you need to contact a top-rated Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer today. Our offices deal exclusively with Georgia Criminal Defense. We work with every one of our clients every step of the way and help achieve the best possible outcome for each case. 

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, crimes relating to judicial proceedings in Georgia, are very technical and difficult to understand - much less navigate by yourself. Contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney today.