Frequent Crimes and Penalties in Athens, GA

Frequent Crimes and Penalties in Athens, GA

Living in Athens, GA comes with the usual risks of crime that you’d find in any city. While Athens is generally considered a safe place to live, there are still common criminal offenses that happen from time to time. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most frequent crimes committed in Athens and the associated penalties if convicted under Georgia law.

Alcohol and Drug Offenses

With the University of Georgia being located in Athens, alcohol and drug charges are some of the most common offenses seen in the city. Underage drinking, public intoxication, DUIs, and possession of marijuana are routine citations issued by police.

Underage Drinking and Public Intoxication

It’s no secret that underage college students sometimes drink alcohol at parties and bars near campus. While not condoned, underage drinking is generally treated as a misdemeanor offense in Athens. Penalties typically include fines up to $300 and possible community service or probation[1]. Officers also regularly charge people with public intoxication, which occurs when someone is drunk in public and causing a disturbance. Like underage drinking, public intoxication is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 and up to a year in jail as potential sentences[1].

DUI

Driving under the influence is taken very seriously in Athens. A first offense DUI conviction can lead to fines up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, and a six-month driver’s license suspension[1]. Harsher penalties occur for repeat offenses. Having a DUI on your record can also increase insurance rates for several years. The penalties reflect the danger DUI drivers pose to themselves and the community when getting behind the wheel while impaired.

Marijuana Possession

While marijuana remains illegal in Georgia, Athens has decriminalized small amounts of cannabis. If caught with an ounce or less of marijuana, you may receive a citation with fines up to $35 and no jail time[6]. However, over an ounce is considered a misdemeanor with potential fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail[6]. The decriminalization aims to avoid saddling college students with criminal records for minor pot possession. But make no mistake, larger amounts can still lead to prosecution.

Theft

With crowded student housing and nightlife areas, theft is common in parts of Athens. Shoplifting, entering vehicles, bike theft, and even taking street signs as pranks occur routinely. Most thefts are prosecuted as misdemeanors, with penalties dependent on the value of items stolen[5]. Small shoplifting incidents may only warrant fines and probation. But prosecutors can bump charges up to felonies for thefts over $500, which can mean years in prison[5].

Entering Autos

Due to carelessness of owners leaving valuables visible, entering autos to steal loose items is frequent near campus. This often happens at night in parking decks, apartment complexes, and other areas with many cars. If caught, it’s prosecuted as a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail as potential penalties[5].

Shoplifting

Shoplifting is prosecuted under Georgia’s general theft laws. A first offense for stealing items less than $500 in value is usually a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 in fines and a year in jail as the maximum sentence[5]. But stiffer felony penalties apply for higher value shoplifting over $500. Store policies also allow detention of shoplifting suspects until police arrive.

Bicycle Theft

Bike theft is common across college campuses, and UGA is no exception. Locking up bikes securely can deter some thieves, but many still get stolen. As a misdemeanor theft charge, fines up to $1,000 and jail time up to a year are potential penalties[5]. UGA Police recommend registering bikes and noting serial numbers in case of theft.

Assault and Battery

With alcohol flowing freely at bars and parties, fights and assaults occur in Athens as they do in other cities. Charges range from misdemeanors for simple battery to serious felonies for aggravated assault depending on severity. Fines, probation, and jail or prison time are all possible penalties.

Simple Battery

A simple battery conviction, usually a misdemeanor, applies to minor assaults that don’t seriously injure the victim. Penalties can include fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail[4]. Examples include shoving someone or throwing a drink on them. Prosecutors sometimes offer pre-trial diversion to avoid convictions.

Aggravated Assault

Much harsher penalties apply to aggravated assaults that seriously injure or are committed with deadly weapons. These felonies can lead to massive fines and many years in prison[3]. Examples include beatings with serious injuries or knife attacks. Athens sees a handful of aggravated assaults each year, especially around downtown bars.

Property Crimes

Besides theft, other property crimes like vandalism and trespassing also occur in Athens. While usually prosecuted as misdemeanors, extensive damage can sometimes lead to felony charges.

Vandalism

Vandalism charges apply to intentionally damaging property without the owner’s consent. Common examples include breaking windows, spray painting buildings, and slashing tires. As a misdemeanor, fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail are potential penalties[1]. But vandalism over $500 in damage can become a felony.

Trespassing

While rarely charged on its own, police issue trespassing citations when people refuse to leave private property when told to do so. Trespassing is a misdemeanor that can carry fines up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail[1]. Officers often tack on trespassing charges along with other offenses.

Takeaways

Athens is generally a safe city, but common offenses still occur related to drugs, alcohol, theft, and assaults. Most are prosecuted as misdemeanors with modest penalties, but aggravated assaults, felony thefts, and repeat offenses can lead to harsher sentences. Knowing the potential penalties for various crimes can help deter their occurrence to keep Athens safe.

Despite some crime, Athens remains a vibrant and livable city. Just use common sense precautions like avoiding shady areas at night, not leaving valuables visible in cars, and staying sober and peaceful at bars and parties. Following the law and being responsible will keep you on the right side of Athens’ criminal justice system.