Criminal Law Distinctions

Question 1

Under Georgia law, does conspiracy​ merge into completed offenses?

Answer 1

Conspiracy does merge into a completed crime.

Question 2

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of kidnapping?

Answer 2

Kiddnapping occurs when someone

1. abducts or steals away another person without lawful authority, and
2. holds the person against his or her will.

The victim must be moved, but the act is not kidnapping if the movement is “merely incidental” to the commission of another offense.

Question 3

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of subordination of perjury?

Answer 3

Subordination of perjury is a seperate offense committed when one persuads or induces another to commit perjury.

Question 4

Under Georgia law, what is the punishment for home invasion?

Answer 4

• Second degree home invasion’s punishment is five to twenty years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.
• First degree home invasion’s punishment is life in prison or ten to twenty years of imprisonment and up a fine of up to $100,000.

Question 5

Under Georgia law, may a victims testimony alone support a conviction?

Answer 5

Yes.

Question 6

Under Georgia law, when may a corporation be held vicariously liable for its employee’s criminal actions?

Answer 6

Georgia will prosecute a corporation when the statute clearly indicates a legislative purpose to impose liability on a corporation, and an agent of the corporation performs the conduct that is an element of the crime while acting within the scope of his employment and on behalf of the corporation. Georgia will also prosecute a corporation when the crime is authorized, requested, commanded, performed, or recklessly tolerated by the board of directors or by a managerial official acting within the scope of his employment on behalf of the corporation. O.C.G.A. § 16-2-22.

Question 7

Under Georgia law, what are the elements for Theft by Conversion?

Answer 7

Theft by Conversion—embezzlement under the common-law—occurs when a person lawfully obtains funds or other property and knowingly converts the funds or property to his or her own use in violation of an agreement or legal obligation.

Personal property must have a replacement cost of more than $ 100.

Question 8

Under Georgia law, when does the “merger” doctrine apply with a felony-murder charge?

Answer 8

If the defendant was involved in the commission of multiple felonies and it is not clear what felony underlies the felony murder, the felony with the harshest potential punihsment is merged with the murder conviction.

Question 9

Under Georgia law, what type of construct may a “structure designed for use as a dwelling” include?

Answer 9

Buildings, vehicles, railroad cars, watercraft, and aircraft.

Question 10

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of bribery as it pertains to the non-government agent?

Answer 10

Bribery is a felony.

A defendant is guilty of bribery if he or she:

• gives or offers
• to anyone acting for or on behalf of the state, any political subdivision, or any agency of either,
• any benefit, reward, or consideration
• to which he or she is not entitled
• with the purpose of influencing him or her in the performance of any act related to his or her office or employment.

Question 11

Under Georgia law, what are the elements for Lost or Mislaid Property?

Answer 11

A finder who comes into control of property that he knows was lost or mislaid and who appropriates the property to his own use without first trying to find the owner commits the crime of theft of lostor mislaid property.

Question 12

Under Georgia law, when under what circumstnaces may a defendant be charged with a “felony murder”?

Answer 12

In Georgia, any felony that is inherently dangerous or creates a foreseeable risk of death will support a felony-murder conviction. THe perpetrator need not act with malice.

Question 13

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of thefty by receiving?

Answer 13

A person commits the crime of teft by recieing when he or she

• receives, disposes of, or retains stolen property,
• that he or she knows or should know was stolen,
• unless the property is received, disposed of, or retained with the intent to restore it to the owner.

Question 14

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of illegal remuneration of judges and law enforcement officials​?

Answer 14

It is illegal for a judge, prosecuting attorney, investigating officer, or law enforcement officer who is a witness in a case to recieve or agree to receive remuneration for

• publishinging a book or article,
• making a public appearance, or
• participating in any commercial activity concerning the case during the time between indictment and the completion of direct appeal

in any criminal case that the judge, prosecuting officer, or law enforcment officer is involved.

Question 15

Under Georgia law, what evidence can be used to infer intent?

Answer 15

Georgia courts may infer intent based on words, conduct, demeanor, motive, and all other circumstances connected with the act. O.C.G.A. § 16-2-6.

Question 16

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of second-degree burglary?

Answer 16

Second degree burglary requires the defendant to

• enter or remain in a structure not designed for use as a dwelling
• with the intent to commit a felony or theft therein
• regardless of whether the structure is occupied at the time.

Question 17

Under Georgia law, what is the scope of “depriving” regarding the crime of theft?

Answer 17

Depriving includes withholding proeprty permanently or temporarily, or disposing of the property so as to make it unlikely the owner will recover it.

Question 18

Under Georgia law, what is defenses to use of force?

Answer 18

A person can threaten or use force only when he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to defend himself or herself or a third person against the imminent use of unlawful force. This force can only be to the extent he or she reasonably believes is necessary.

Question 19

Under Georgia law, does feticide apply to abortion?

Answer 19

No. The statute does not apply to an abotion if the pregnant woman—or a person authorized by law to act on her behalf—consents or if consent is implied by law. It also does not allow prosecution for meidcal treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child.

Question 20

Under Georgia law, when does a “theft” occur?

Answer 20

Theft occurs when a person unlawfully takes property or, if the property is lawfully in her possession, appropriates another’s property with the intent to deprive him of the property, regardless of the manner in whicht he property is taken or appropriated.

Question 21

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of keeping a place of prostitution?

Answer 21

Keeping a place of prostitution is a felony if it involves the conduct of a minor between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

Question 22

Under Georgia law, what is the necessary intent for murder charge?

Answer 22

Malice can be either express or implied. Express malice is the deliberate intention to take the life of another person that is manifested by external circumstances capable of proof. Implied malice occurs when no considerable provocation is apparent and all the circumstnaces of the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart.

Question 23

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of theft by extortion​?

Answer 23

In Georgia, teft by extortion requires the accused actually obtain the property of or from another by theft. The treat can be to:

• Physically injure someone
• Commit another crime
• Accuse someone of committing a crime
• Spread information that tends to subject a person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule or to impair his credit or business repute
• Take action (or fail to) as a public offical
• Cause a public official to act (or not act)
• Cause or continue a strike, boycott, or another collective unofficial action if the proeprty is not demanded or received for the benefit of the group in whose interest the actor purports to act
• Testify or provide information, or withhold testimony or information, about another’s legal claim or defense.

Question 24

Under Georgia law, what is the punishment for attempt​?

Answer 24

In Georgia, a defendant who attempts to commit a felony must be punished by imprisonment for at least one year, but no more than one-half the maximum period of time for which she could have been sentenced if convicted of the attempted crime. The defendant can also be fined one-half the maximum fine to which she could have been subjected to if convicted of the attempted crime.

If the attempted offense was a misdemeanor, the defendant is subject to the punishment prescribed for that misdemeanor.

If the crime is punishable by death or life in prison, the defendant can be punished by imprisonment from one to 30 years.

Question 25

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of third-degree arson?

Answer 25

Third degree arson occurs when the property that is damaged is personal property with a value of $25 or more.

Question 26

Under Georgia law, what is the retreat doctrine?

Answer 26

In Georgia, a person engaged in self-defense or defense of property has no legal duty to retreat before using force, including deadly force.

Question 27

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of first-degree home invasion​?

Answer 27

First degree home invasion occurs when a person, without authority and with the intent to commit a forcible felony, enters the dwelling of another while in possession of a deadly weapon and while a person authorized to be in the dwelling is present.

Question 28

Under Georgia law, is abandonment an affirmative defense​?

Answer 28

Georgia recognizes voluntary and complete abandonment as an affirmative defense.

Abandonment is not voluntary and complete if the defendat

• believes circumstance exist that increase the probablity of detection or apprehension or that render more difficult the accomplishment of the crime, or
• decides to postpone the criminal conduct until a later time.

Question 29

Under Georgia law, what are lesser included offenses​?

Answer 29

A crime is a lesser-included offense if it is established by proof of

• the same or fewer than all the facts,
• a less culpable mental state than is required to establish the commission of the crime charged, or
• if it differes from the crime charged only with regard to a less serious injury or risk of injury to the same person, property, or public interest.

Question 30

Under Georgia law, when does armed robbery​ occur?

Answer 30

Armed robbery occurs when, with the intent to commit theft, a person takes another’s property from her person or her immediate precense by using a weapon or devicse that appears to be a weapon.

Question 31

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of second-degree home invasion​?

Answer 31

Second degree home invasion occurs when a person without authority and intends to commit a forcible misdemeanor enters the dwelling of another while in possession of a deadly weapon and while a person authorized to be in the dwelling is present.

Question 32

Under Georgia law, what are the elements for theft by deception?

Answer 32

When a person obtains property by any deceitful means or artful practice with the intent to deprive the owner of the property.

A defendant is decietful whenever he intentionally:

• Creates or confirms another’s impression of an existing fact or past event that is false and that the accused knows or believes to be false
• Fails to correct a false impression of an existing fact or past event that he previously created or confirmed
• Prevents another from acquiring information pertient to the disposition of the property involved
• Sells or otherwise transfer or encumbers property and intentionally fails to disclose a substantial and valid known lien, adverse claim, or other legal imediiment to the enjoyment of the property, whether the impediment is or is not a matter or official record
• Promises to perform services that he does not intend to perform or knows will not be performed.

Question 33

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of incest?

Answer 33

Incest occurs when someone engages in sexual intercourse or sodomy with a person whom he or she knows he or she is related to by blood or marriage.

Question 34

Under Georgia law, what occurs if a third-party willfully and knowingly obstructs a law enforcement officer in his or her duties?

Answer 34

It is a misdemeanor to knowingly and willfully obstruct a law enforcement officer in his or her duties. If violence is involved, it is a felony punishable by one to five years in prison. O.C.G.A. § 16-10-24.

Question 35

Under Georgia law, what is the burden of proof for insanity?

Answer 35

The defendant has to prove insanity by a preponderance of the evidence.

Question 36

Under Georgia law, is fornication or adultry a crime?

Answer 36

Yes, but the Georgia Constitution provides that no law can criminalize private, unforced, non-commercial acts of sexual intimacy between persons who are legally able to consent.

Question 37

Under Georgia law, can a minor give anyone permission to enter his or her parent’s or guardian’s property?

Answer 37

No, if the parent or guardian has already forbidden entry or asked the entrant to leave.

Question 38

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of aggravated assault?

Answer 38

Assault is aggravated when a person commits assault:

• With the intent to murder, rape, or rob;
• With a deadly weapon or any object that, when used offensively, is likely to or actually does result in serious bodily injury;
• With any object, device, or instrument that, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in strangulation; or
• By discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle toward a person.

Question 39

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of sexual battery?

Answer 39

A defendant is guilty of sexual battery if he or she intentionally makes physical contact with another person’s intimate parts without the consent of that person.

Question 40

Under Georgia law, how does theft by conversion apply to rental property?

Answer 40

Any person who

• has possession or control of another’s personal property under a lease or rental agreement and
• fails to return it within five business days after a demand letter

is presumed to have knowingly converted the property.

The demand letter must be sent by certified or registered mail or overnight delivery, return receipt requested.

Question 41

Under Georgia law, what is required to apply the mistake of fact defense?

Answer 41

A mistake of fact is a defense if the fact, if true, would have justified the act or omission.

Question 42

Under Georgia law, under what circumstances is theft a misdemeanor?

Answer 42

If the teft is under one of these categories:

• Worth more than $1,500
• Anhydrous ammonia
• A destructive device, explosive, or firearm
• A grave maker, monument, or memorial to one or more deceased persons, or an ornament thereon
• A vehicle engaged in the commerical transportation of cargo
• Taken by a fiduciary in breach of a fiduciary obligation
• Taken by an officer of a government or a financial institution in breach of her duties
• Worth more than $500 and the victim was 65 years of age or older

Question 43

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of aggravated battery?

Answer 43

Aggrevated battery occurs when a person maliciously causes bodily harm to another by

• Depriving him of a member of his body,
• Rendering a member of his body useless, or
• Seriously disfiguring a member of his body.

Question 44

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of statutory rape?

Answer 44

A person commits statutory rape if he or she engages in sexual intercourse with a person younger than 16 years of age who is not his or her spouse.

Question 45

What is the punishment for a conspiracy?

Answer 45

• If the conspiracy was to commit a felony, the conspirator must be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year, but no more than 1/2 the maximum time for the crime they conspired to commit. The conspirator can also be fined 1/2 the maximum fine for the crime they conspired to commit.
• If the conspiracy was to commit a misdemeanor, the conspirator is subject to the punishment prescribed for that misdeameanor.
• If the crime involves a controlled substance, then the conspirator can be punished up to the maximum prescribed punishment for the conspired crime.

Question 46

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of fourth degree forgery?

Answer 46

• Makes, alters, possesses, utters, or delivers a check for less than $1500, or possesses fewer than ten checks written without a specific amount.
• In a fictitious name or in such a manner that the checks as made or altered purport to have been made by another person, at another time, with different provision, or by authroity of one who did not give such authority.

Question 47

Under Georgia law, what are the elements for Theft of Services?

Answer 47

When, by deception and with intent to avoid payment, a person knowingly obtains services, accomodations, entertainment, or the use of personal property that is available only for compensation.

It is also illegal to avoid, attempt to avoid, or cause another to avoid lawful charges for any telecommunication service (e.g., telephone or cable television).

Question 48

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of false swearing?

Answer 48

False swearing occurs when a person knowingly and willfully makes a false statement outside a judicial proceeding

• After being administered a lawful oath or affirmation, or
• In a document that purports to be an acknowledgement or a lawful oath or affirmation.

Question 49

Under Georgia law, when will aggravated assaul support a felony-murder conviction?

Answer 49

Georgia allows aggravated assault, when done with malice, to support a felony-murder conviction. Without malice, the aggravated assualt leads only to a voluntary manslaughter.

Question 50

Under Georgia law, what is the crime of “feticide”?

Answer 50

It is a felony to willfully cause the death of an unborn child by any injury to the mother that would be murder if it resulted in the death of the mother.

It is also a felony if the death of the unborn child is caused during the commission of a felony.

Question 51

Under Georgia law, what punishment is available for kidnapping?

Answer 51

• If* the victim was 14 years of age or old, kidnapping is punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison.
• If* the victim was under 14 years of age, kidnapping is punishable by life in prison or a split sentence of 25 years followed by probation for life.
• If* ransom was involved or the victim was injured, the punishment is life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Question 52

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of simple assault?

Answer 52

Simple assault occurs when a person attempts to commit a violent injury to another’s person or does something to put another person in reasonable apprehension of receiving a violent injury.

Question 53

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of reckless conduct?

Answer 53

Reckless conduct occurs when a person

• Causes bodily harm to or endangers another’s bodily safety, or
• Has knowledge of being infected with HIV and engages in any sexual act without disclosing the infection to the other person.

Question 54

Under Georgia law regardin kidnapping, when is a movement not “merely incidental”?

Answer 54

Movement is not“merely incidental” if it:

• Conceals or isolates the victim,
• Makes the commission of the other offense substantially easier,
• Lessens the risk of detection, or
• Is for avoiding apprehension.

Question 55

Under Georgia law, may a defendant be convicted for felony-murder due to the death of a co-felon?

Answer 55

In Georgia, a defendant may be convicted of felony murder when a co-conspirator is killed by a victim of the underlying felony. To be liable, the defendant’s conduct in the commission of the underlying felony must proximately cause the death of the other person. Proximate cause exists when the felony the defendant committed directly and materially contributed to the happening of the subsequent death.

Question 56

Under Georgia law, is their an exception for assisted suicide?

Answer 56

No. In Georgia, any person who knowingly and willfuly assists a person in the commission of suicide, with actual knowledge that a person intends to commit suicide, is guilty of a felony.

Question 57

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of Identity Fraud?

Answer 57

When he or she willfuly and fraudulently

• Uses or possesses identifying information about a person without consent, with the intent to fraudulently use the information
• Uses identifying information of an individual under 18 years old within his custody
• Uses or possesses identifying information about a deceased individual with the intent to fraudulently use the information
• Creates, uses, or possesses with the intent to fraudulently use any counterfeit or fictitious indentifying information for the purpose of committing or facilitatin the commission of a crime or fraud on another person, or
• Creates, uses, or possesses with the intent to fraudulently use any counterfeit or fictitious identifying information about a real person, without consent, with the intent to use the information for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of a crime or fraud on another person.

Question 58

Under Georgia law, what is criminal conduct?

Answer 58

Conduct is criminal only if it has been made criminal by statute.

Question 59

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of giving shelter to prostitution?

Answer 59

It is a felony to knowingly grant or permit the use of any place that would offer seclusion or shelter for prostitution.

Question 60

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of first degree forgery?

Answer 60

Second-degree forgery is elevated to first-degree forgery if the person utters or delivers the writing.

Question 61

What is the presumption under Georgia law if a homicide victim’s body is found within Georgia?

Answer 61

Should a homicide victim’s body be found in Georgia, it will be presumed that the homicide occurred in Georgia. O.C.G.A. § 17-2-1.

Question 62

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of first-degree criminal damage to property?

Answer 62

When a person knowingly and without authority

• Interferes with any property in a manner that endagers human life, or
• By force or violence interferes witht eh operation of any public utility service.

Question 63

Under Georgia law, what are an aggressor’s right to self defense?

Answer 63

Self-defense is not justified if the person using force:

• Initially provokes the use of force against himself with the intent to use force as an excuse to inflict bodily harm upon the assailant,
• Is attempting to commit, committing, or fleeing after the commission or attempted commission of a felony, or
• Was the aggressor or was engaged in a combat by agreement, unless he withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to the other person his intent to do so and the other continues or threatens to continue the use of unlawful force.

Question 64

Under Georgia law, what are defenses to use of deadly force?

Answer 64

Deadly force can only be used if the person reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent

• death or great bodily injury, or
• the commission of a forcible felony.

This immunity disappear if the deadly force involves an unlawfully carried or possessed weapon.

Question 65

Under Georgia law, what is the minimum age for conviction?

Answer 65

13 years old measured at the time of the crime. O.C.G.A. § 16-3-1.

Question 66

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of third degree forgery?

Answer 66

A fourth-degree forgery is evelated to third-degree forgery if the check is for $1500 or more, or if the person possesses ten or more checks written without a specific amount.

Question 67

Under Georgia law, what is necessary to establish a conncetion between a felon and a third-party (bystander)’s death?

Answer 67

Georgia is a proximate-cause theory state. Under the proximate-cause theory, liablity for the bystander’s death may attach to the felon because the death is a direct consequence of the felony.

Question 68

Under Georgia law, idenity fraud merges into what types of crimes?

Answer 68

None.

Question 69

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of second-degree arson?

Answer 69

Second degree arson occurs when the vehicle, building, or structure is not a dwelling.

Question 70

Under Georgia law, what presumption exist regarding a person’s intent? Is it rebuttable?

Answer 70

In Georgia, a rebuttable presumption exists that the acts of a person of sound mind are the acts of that person’s will, and that she intends the natural and probable consequences of her acts. O.C.G.A. §§ 16-2-4 & 16-2-5.

Question 71

Under Georgia law, is it considered idenity fraud to gain access to goods or services limited by age constrains using a false indentification?

Answer 71

No. O.C.G.A. § 16-9-121(d).

Question 72

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of simple battery?

Answer 72

Simple battery occurs when a defendant

• Makes physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person, or
• Physically harms another.

Question 73

Under Georgia law, what meets “Involuntary Manslaughter” causation requirement?

Answer 73

(1) An unlawful act other than a felony; or
(2) A lawful act in an unlawful manner that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm.

Question 74

Under Georgia law, what are the elements for shoplifting?

Answer 74

When a person intends to take merchandise from a store or retail establishment without paying for it or intends to deprive the owner of the value of it, and:

• Conceals or takes possession of the goods or merchandise
• Alters the price on goods or merchandise
• Transfers the goods or merchandise from one container to another
• Interchanges the label or price tag from one item of merchandise with a label or price tag for another item of merchandise
• Wrongfully causes the amount paid to be less than the merchant’s stated price for the merchandise

Question 75

Under Georgia law, what is required to use the “Insanity” defense?

Answer 75

In Georgia, a defendant can be found not guilty if he did not have the mental capacity to distinguish between right and wrong when he committed the crime, or if he has a disease, injury, or congenital deficiency that caused him to commit the crime because of a delusional compulsion that overpowered his will to resist committing the crime. The delusion must relate to a fact that, if true, would have justified the defendant’s actions.

Question 76

Under Georgia law, what may be considered “knowingly and willfully obstruction of a law enforcement officer”?

Answer 76

Obstructing the apprehension or punishment of a criminal when the obstructer knows or believes the criminal just committed a felony or escaped from prison, and the obstructer either hides the criminal or conceals or destroys the evidence. O.C.G.A. § 16-10-50. Knowingly help another escape custody or confinement. O.C.G.A. § 16-10-53.

Question 77

Under Georgia law, may statutory rape be supported with only the victim’s testimony?

Answer 77

No. Corroborating evidence must fairly tend to prove that the crime was committed and that the defendant committed it.

It need not include eyewitness testimony or extend to everything that was said or done, but the character and quality must be such that it tends to prove guilt of the accused by connecting him or her with the crime.

Question 78

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of robbery?

Answer 78

Robbery occurs when, with the intent to commit theft, a person takes another’s property from her person or her immediate precsence by force, intimidation, coercion, “sudden snatching,” or by placing her in fear of immediate serious bodily injury to herself or another.

Question 79

Under Georgia law, when can voluntary intoxication serve as a defense?

Answer 79

Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to any crime in Georgia UNLESS the intoxication “resulted in the alteration of brain function so as to negate intent.” The alteration must be more than temporary. O.C.G.A. § 16-3-4(c).

Question 80

Under Georgia law, can a defendant be prosecuted for a crime and its lesser-included offenses​?

Answer 80

A prosecutor is required to prosecute all crimes arising from the same facts in one case, if those crimes are known and in the jurisdiction of the same court.

The defendant can only be convicted of one crime. When a defendant is convicted of the lesser-included offense and the more serious crime, the lesser-included offeses merge into the greater crime.

Question 81

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of first-degree arson?

Answer 81

First degree arson occurs when

• The building is a dwelling, during the commission of a felony, or
• When it is reasonably foreseeable that human life might be endangered.

Question 82

Under Georgia law, who is considered a “party to a crime”?

Answer 82

Georgia considers everyone “concerned in the commission of a crime” to be parties to the crime. That includes anyone who: (1) Directly commits the crime; (2) Intentionally causes another person to commit the crime, even when the other person is not guilty of the crime either in fact or because of legal incapacity; (3) Intentionally aids or abets in the commission of the crime; or (4) Intentionally advises, encourages, hires, counsels, or procures another to commit the crime. O.C.G.A. § 16-2-20.

Question 83

Under Georgia law, when is a person otherwise not guilty of theft by deception?

Answer 83

If the falsehoods have no pecuniary significance or if he exaggerates by statements that are unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.

Question 84

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of second degree forgery?

Answer 84

When a person, with the intent to defraud, knowingly

• Makes, alters, or possesses any writing other than a check
• In a fictious name or in a manner that the writing as made or altered purports to have been made by another person, at another time, with different provisions, or by authority of one who did not give authority.

Question 85

Under Georgia law, when may one use force to defend property?

Answer 85

A person can use force to prevent or terminate another person’s unlawful entry into or attack upon a habitation if

• The entry is made or attempted in a violent and tumultuous manner and he reasonably believes that the entry is attempted or made to assault or offer personal violence to any person inside and that force is necessary to prevent the assault or offer of personal violence,
• Force is used against another person who is not a member of the family or household and who unlawfully and forcibly enters the residence and the person using force knew or had reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry occurred, or
• The person using force reasonably believes that the entry is made or attempted for committing a felony therein and that force is necessary to prevent the commission of the felony.

Question 86

Under Georgia law, what is the punishment for armed robbery​?

Answer 86

• Death,
• Imprisonment for life
• Imprionment for 10 to 20 years.

If a person commits armed robbery by taking a controlled substance from a pharmacy or wholesale druggist and intentionally inflicts bodily injury on anyone, the punishment is imprisonment for at least 15 years.

Question 87

Under what circumstances does Georgia possess jurisdiction in a criminal action?

Answer 87

Georgia will prosecute any individual who: (1) Commits a crime wholly or partially within the state; (2) Engages in conduct outside of Georgia that “constitutes an attempt commit a crime” in Georgia; or (3) Engages in conduct in Georgia that “constitutes an attempt to commit a crime in another jurisdiction,” if that crime is a crime both in that jurisdiction and Georgia.

Question 88

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of misdemenor criminal trespass?

Answer 88

• Intentionally damages any property of another without the other’s consent and the damage is $500 or less;
• Knowingly and maliciously interferes with the possession or use of another’s property without that person’s consent;
• Knowingly and without authority enters another’s land, vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft for an unlawful purpose;
• Knowingly and without authority enters another’s land, vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft when the defendant previously received from the owner or an authorized representative that he was not to enter the property;
• Knowingly and without authority remains on another’s land, vehicle, railroad car, aircraft, or watercraft when the defendant has received notice to depart or that his entry is forbidden;
• Intentionally defaces, mutilates, or defiles any grave marker, monument, or memorial to deceased persons who served in the military; or
• Intentionally defaces, mutilates, or defiles any monument, plaque, marker, or memorial dedicated to honoring those who have served in the military.

Question 89

Under Georgia law, can a defendant be convicted of both “malice murder” and “felony-murder”?

Answer 89

Yes, as both charges include an element the other is missing. Nevertheless, if there is a single victim, the defendant can be sentenced on either charge, but not both. If the defendant is sentenced for malice murder, he may also be sentenced for the underlying felony that was the basis of the felony-murder conviction.

Question 90

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of battery?

Answer 90

A defendant is guilty of battery when he or she intentionally causes substantial physical harm or visible bodily harm to another.

Question 91

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of first degree burglary​?

Answer 91

First degree burglary requires the defendant to

• enter or remain in a structure designed for use as a dwelling
• with the intent to commit a felony or theft therein
• regardless of whether the structure is occupied at the time.

Question 92

Under Georgia law, what are defenses to theft?

Answer 92

A defendant may affirmatively defendant himself or herself by asserting he or she

• Was unaware the proeprty or service belonged to another
• Acted under an honest claim of right to the property or service involved or under a right to acquire or dispose of it as he did, or
• Took property or a service for sale with the intent to purchase and pay for it promptly or reasonably believing the owner, if present, would have consented.

Question 93

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of rape?

Answer 93

Rape occurs when a person has “carnal knowledge” of

• A woman, forcibly and against her will, ​or
• Any female younger than 10 years old.

Question 94

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of second-degree criminal damage to property?

Answer 94

When a person

• Intentionally damages the property of another without consent, causing damages exceeding $500, or
• Recklessly or intentionally damages the property of another by means of fire or explosives.

Question 95

Under Georgia law, when will feticide be reduced to voluntary manslaughter?

Answer 95

Feticide may be reduced to voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child if the death took place in the heat of passion.

Question 96

Under Georgia law, what is the distinction for concealing the death of another person?

Answer 96

In Georgia, it is a felony to conceal another’s death in a way that hinders discovery of whether the person was unlawfully killed. O.C.G.A. § 16-10-31.

Question 97

Under Georgia law, when is involuntary intoxication a defense?

Answer 97

Involuntary intoxication is a defense if it caused the person to be unable to distinguish between right and wrong. O.C.G.A. § 16-3-4.

Question 98

Under Georgia law, what is the potential punishments for an aggrevated battery, battery, and simple battery?

Answer 98

Simple battery is always a misdemeanor.

Battery generally is a misdemeanor, but it may also be felony if

• It is the defendant’s third conviction against the same victim, or
• It is the defendant’s second offense against a family member.

Any aggregravted battery is always a felony.

Question 99

Under Georgia law, is an overt act required for a conspiracy charge​?

Answer 99

Yes.

The conspiracy crime is not copleted until an overt act is performed in furtherance of the conspiracy. The overt act can be performed by any co-conspirator with or without the knowledge of all co-conspirators. The overt act can be lawful or unlawful.

Question 100

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of bribery as it pertains to the government agent?

Answer 100

Bribery is a felony.

It is also bribery when a public official or an employee of the state, county, municipality, or any agency, authority, or entity:

• Directly or indirectly solicits, receives, accepts, or agrees
• to recieve a thing of value
• by inducing the reasonable belief that the giving of the thing will influence his performance or failure to perform any official action.

Question 101

Under Georgia law, what is required to “compound” a crime?

Answer 101

Compounding a crime occurs when a person accepts or agrees to accept any benefit in consideration of a promise not to prosecute or assist with the prosecution of the crime. In Georgia, compounding is a felony if the underlying crime is a felony and a misdemeanor if the underlying crime is a misdemeanor.

Question 102

What level of crime is each degree of forgery?

Answer 102

• Fourth-degree forgery is a misdemeanor.
• Third-degree forgery is a felony.
• Second-degree forgery is a felony.
• First-degree forgery is a felony.

Question 103

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of an aggravated simple battery?

Answer 103

Simple battery is aggravated when it is committed against:

• A person 65 years of age or older;
• A female who is pregnant at the time of the offense;
• Anyone in a public transit vehicle or station;
• A police officer, law enforcement dog, correction officer, or detention officer carrying out official duties;
• A family member;
• An employee of a public school system while the person is engaged in official school duties or on school property; or
• Someone admitted to a long-term-care facility, assisted living community, home health, or hospice facility by an employee, agent, or volunteer of the facility.

Question 104

Under Georgia law, what is the crime of “Second-Degree Murder”?

Answer 104

In Georgia, a person who causes the death of another person during the commission of cruelty to children in the second degree commits second-degree murder. Malice is not an element of the office. The punishment is ten to thirty years in prison.

Question 105

Under Georgia law, what is the legal effective of the General Assembly repealing a criminal statute?

Answer 105

The repeal of a criminal law has no effect on the legality of an act or omission that occurred before the effective date of repeal.

Question 106

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of solicitation​?

Answer 106

Georgia requires the solicitor attempt to cause another to commit a felony. The solicitor cannot defend against the charge by arguing the person solicited could not be guilty of the crime that was solicited.

Question 107

Under Georgia law, is legal impossibilty as a defense​ to attempt?

Answer 107

No, Georgia law does not recognize factual or legal impossiblity as a defense to an attempt charge.

Question 108

Under Georgia law, what are the elements of pimping?

Answer 108

It is a felony to pimp a person between the ages of 16 and 18.

It is a felony for a person to

• solicit a person between 16 and 18 years of age to perform an act of prostitution on his or her own behalf or on behalf of another person, or
• knowingly assemble persons between 16 and 18 years of age for the purpose of being solicited by others to perform acts of prostitution.