Increase in Family Violence Crimes in Georgia in 2020

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta, Ga. – As 2020 comes to an end, many law enforcement agencies are taking stock in the year regarding crime rates. There was a notable increase in domestic violence crimes due to the pandemic and various levels of quarantine throughout the year.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I will focus today's post on what appeared to be one the most common offenses – battery.

When a battery allegedly happens within a family unit, it is deemed to be a domestic dispute issue and is in violation of the Family Violence Act in Georgia. Family violence is defined by law as a criminal act that occurs between family members. These crimes include:

• Battery in Georgia
• Assault in Georgia
• Stalking in Georgia
• Criminal Damage to Property in Georgia
• Criminal Trespass in Georgia

If any of the above crimes occur between current or former spouses, parents, children, stepparents, stepchildren, foster parents, foster children, or even persons currently or formerly living in the same household, then it is considered to be in violation of the Family Violence Act.

Battery in Georgia

Battery 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.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been accused of committing one of the above offenses – or any other crime in the state of Georgia, contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer can help you with your case now.