The State of Georgia has a number of different laws and statutes that protect those who commit minor offenses. The State also makes it easier for individuals to avoid being convicted of a criminal offense after they’ve committed one. For example, the State has passed the Georgia First Offenders Act, which protects first-time offenders from being convicted of a criminal offense if certain conditions are met. If you have been charged with an offense in Georgia but are not a repeat offender, you may be able to take advantage of these laws.
Read on to learn more about the Georgia First Offenders Act and whether or not you can take advantage of this law to avoid conviction for an offense.
What is Georgia First Offenders Act?
The Georgia First Offenders Act is a law that allows individuals who have committed the following offenses to avoid conviction if certain conditions are met:
- Possession of Marijuana Less than one ounce
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- BUI/Boating Under the Influence
- Misdemeanor Traffic Violation while operating a Motorcycle or Motorized Scooter
- Minor in Consumption of Alcohol in a Public Place
If you have been charged with one of the above-listed charges and do not have any prior. Convictions, you may be eligible to take advantage of the Georgia First Offenders Act.
Who Does the Georgia First Offenders Act help?
Typically, individuals who are charged with a minor offense in Georgia are convicted of that offense. However, suppose you have been charged with a minor offense but do not have any prior arrests or convictions on your record. In that case, you may be eligible to take advantage of the Georgia First Offenders Act.
This law protects first-time offenders from being convicted of a criminal offense if certain conditions are met. If you are eligible and meet the criteria, you may be able to avoid conviction for an offense.
Examples of Georgia First Offenders Act Cases
Below are examples of Georgia First Offenders Act cases that we have handled:
- Possession of Marijuana Less than one-ounce case. Our client was charged with possession of marijuana less than one ounce. He had no prior convictions and was charged with only a minor offense. After his court date, we worked out a deal for our client to enter a first offenders program in Georgia which would result in all criminal proceedings being dismissed upon successful completion of the program. Our client was promptly accepted into the program, completed it, and all charges were subsequently dismissed without any convictions or guilty pleas!
- BUI/Boating Under the Influence case. Our client was charged with a first offenders violation after being caught driving under the influence. Our client had no prior convictions. After his court date, we were able to work out a deal that dismissed all charges and also required our client to pay fines in full.
- Minor in Consumption of Alcohol in a Public Place case. Our client was charged with Minor in Consumption of Alcohol in a Public Place. The State agreed to dismiss all charges and did not require any guilty plea or conviction!
- Possession of Marijuana Less than one-ounce case . This is another example of an offense often charged as a felony but often falls under the First Offenders Act because it does not involve violent crimes (such as indictable sex offenses, for instance).
Where Can You Find More Information About Georgia First Offenders Act
You can find more information about the Georgia First Offenders Act and its related laws at the following links:
- http://www.ga.gov/legis/laws/code/cha_e1.html
- http://www.ga.gov/legis/codesafe3.html
- http://www.ga.gov/legis/link_deca.asp
- http://www.georgiaca.gov/cde/
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