Crimes at Hotels and Penalties in Georgia

Crimes at Hotels and Penalties in Georgia

Staying at a hotel or motel can be a fun and relaxing experience. However, hotels and motels can also be the site of crimes like theft, assault, rape, and even murder. As a hotel guest in Georgia, it’s important to understand your rights and what recourse you have if you are the victim of a crime while staying at a hotel or motel. This article will provide an overview of common hotel-related crimes in Georgia, penalties for those crimes, and legal options for victims.

Common Hotel Crimes in Georgia

Some of the most common crimes that occur at Georgia hotels and motels include:

• Theft – This includes theft of personal property from hotel rooms, rental cars, luggage storage areas, hotel gift shops, etc. Perpetrators may be hotel staff or other guests.
• Assault – Guests or staff could be assaulted by other guests, intruders, or even hotel personnel. Assaults may be sexual or physical in nature.
• Rape – Rapes often occur when an attacker gains access to a guest’s room through an unlocked door or by tricking the victim into opening the door. Date rape drugs may also be used.
• Murder – Murders can occur between guests or guests and staff. Motives include robbery, domestic disputes, or premeditated crimes.
• Vandalism – Guests may vandalize hotel rooms and property by causing excessive damage.
• Drug offenses – Hotels can be sites for the use, distribution, and manufacturing of illegal narcotics.
• Prostitution – Prostitutes may use hotel rooms to meet with clients. Human trafficking also occurs.
• Fraud – Guests use stolen credit cards or fake IDs, employees steal from guests, etc.

Georgia Laws and Penalties for Hotel Crimes

Hotel crimes in Georgia are prosecuted under the state’s general criminal statutes. The specific charges and penalties depend on the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Theft

Theft at a hotel may be charged as misdemeanor or felony theft under O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 depending on the value of the items stolen:

• Misdemeanor – Theft of items less than $1,500 in value is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000.
• Felony – Theft of items greater than $1,500 in value is a felony with stiffer penalties including 1 to 10 years imprisonment.

Murder

First and second degree murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1) carry the harshest penalties in Georgia:

• First degree murder – Felony, death penalty or life imprisonment
• Second degree murder – Felony, 10 to 30 years imprisonment

Drug Crimes

Drug crimes under O.C.G.A. § 16-13-30 are punished as felonies:

• Manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent – 2 to 30 years imprisonment
• Liability and Legal Options for Hotel Crime Victims

If you are the victim of a crime while staying at a Georgia hotel or motel, you may have legal options for holding the hotel liable in addition to criminal prosecution of the perpetrator.

Negligent Security

Hotels have a duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect guests from foreseeable criminal acts by third parties under Georgia premises liability law. If lax security contributes to you being victimized, you may sue for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

Innkeeper’s Liability

Georgia innkeeper laws also make hotels liable for theft or damage to certain guest property under O.C.G.A. § 43-21-12.

Dram Shop Liability

Hotels can be liable for overserving alcohol to guests who later injure others under Georgia dram shop laws.

Protecting Yourself from Hotel Crimes

While hotels have a duty to protect guests, you can also take steps to reduce your own risk:

• Keep your room door locked at all times
• Don’t open the door for strangers
• Use door locks, latches, and security bars
• Don’t display valuables openly
• Keep valuables locked up
• Park in well-lit areas
• Don’t take shortcuts alone at night
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Report suspicious activity to hotel staff

Staying vigilant and using common sense goes a long way towards keeping safe during hotel stays. But if you are victimized, don’t hesitate to consult an attorney regarding your legal options. Georgia law provides protections and avenues for accountability when hotels fail to protect guests from harm. With an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side, you can pursue the compensation you need to recover after being victimized by crime at a hotel or motel.