UGA Athlete’s Charges Dismissed in Athens

Athens-Clarke County Judicial Center

Athens, Ga. - Prosecutors in Clarke County dropped a criminal trespass charge that was pending against a UGA football player. Authorities said that the decision to drop the charges came after speaking with the alleged victim in the case. They reviewed the evidence and decided not to charge the man.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the offense of criminal trespass as it is defined by Georgia Law.

Criminal Trespass in Georgia

Georgia law defines Criminal Trespass in Georgia  in O.C.G.A. §16-7-21. According to the law, there are several different ways that the criminal offense of criminal trespass can be committed. These ways include:

• When a person intentionally damages any property of another without consent of that other person and the damage thereto is $500.00 or less.
• When a person knowingly and maliciously interferes with the possession or use of the property of another person without consent of that person.
• When a person enters on the land or premises or into any part of any vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft of another person for an unlawful purpose.
• When a person enters onto the land or premises of another person or into any part of any vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft of another person after receiving notice from the owner that such entry is forbidden.
• When a person remains on the land or premises of another person or within the vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft of another person after the owner has asked the person to leave.
• When a person intentionally defaces, mutilates, or defiles any grave marker, monument, or memorial to one or more deceased persons who served in the military.

Criminal trespass is classified as a misdemeanor. In Georgia, misdemeanors carried the sentence of either a fine up to $1,000.00, up to one year in prison, or both.

Practice Note

There are many Georgia Criminal Defenses that can apply to an accusation of criminal trespass. If you or a loved one has been arrested in the State of Georgia, call our offices now. We can help you with your case.