GA. LAW ? Can my girlfriend go to jail for stealing residential electricity in Georgia? Thanks ALL Ms.J
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GA. LAW ? Can my girlfriend go to jail for stealing residential electricity in Georgia? Thanks ALL Ms.J
GA. LAW ? Can my girlfriend go to jail for stealing residential electricity in Georgia? Thanks ALL Ms.J
Asked on June 25, 2009 under Criminal Law, South Carolina
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Pursuant to the Georgia Code, this offense would be governered by Code Section be § 16-8-5, Theft of Services.
According to that section, "A person commits the offense of theft of services when by deception and with the intent to avoid payment he knowingly obtains services, accommodations, entertainment, or the use of personal property which is available only for compensation."
According to Section § 16-8-12, the penalties for violation of Code Section 16-8-5 are as follows:
(a) A person convicted of a violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9 shall be punished as for a misdemeanor except:
(1) If the property which was the subject of the theft exceeded $500.00 in value, by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years or, in the discretion of the trial judge...
If punished as a misdemeanor the penalty will most probably be a fine, if jail time is involved, it cannot exceed 1 year.
Looks like your girlfriend could be in a lot of trouble here. She needs to consult with a criminal attorney in your area. If this is her first offense that will be of help.
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