Georgia Domestic Violence Law
Georgia Domestic Violence Defense
What you're facing under O.C.G.A. § 16-5-23.1; § 19-13-1, how the penalties scale, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Georgia (GA) domestic violence law.
Offense Class
Misdemeanor (1st offense); Felony (2nd+ offense against any family or household member)
Maximum Penalty
12 months (misdemeanor); 5 years (felony)
Maximum Fine
$1,000
Federal Firearms Prohibition (Lautenberg Amendment)
A conviction for misdemeanor domestic violence in Georgia carries a federalfirearms-possession ban under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). This consequence is collateral to Georgia state penalties and applies regardless of the state sentence imposed.
Penalty Range in Georgia
Charge Enhancements
These factors can elevate the charge or penalty in Georgia:
- 2nd+ family violence conviction: felony classification
- Aggravated assault or aggravated battery in family violence: felony on first offense
Georgia-Specific Detail
Mandatory arrest policy in many GA jurisdictions. State may proceed without victim cooperation.
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Important: This page provides legal INFORMATION about Georgia domestic violence law as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. The analysis draws on methods developed by defense attorneys, applied to public data. Your attorney remains the final authority on defense direction.