‘Tis the Season, for Family Incidents…
The holidays are often a time of increased stress and tension among family members. With this increased stress and tension comes increased calls for police officers to respond to homes for arguments and domestic disturbances. Increased calls to police lead to an increase in the number of people arrested for fights within their family. Here are some things to remember:
1. Any unwanted touching is a battery under Georgia law
2. A threat of unwanted touching, violence, or bodily injury is an assault under Georgia law.
3. Damage to a person’s property, including household items is criminal trespass or criminal damage under Georgia law.
4. Weapons, including household items, turn misdemeanor situations into felony situations.
5. If you call 911 regarding a fight or argument, someone or maybe even multiple people will be arrested by the police even if you DO NOT want to press charges. The police do not just protect citizens, break up fights or get people to leave. They are there to enforce the laws of the State of Georgia, and that is usually done through arrest.
6. An arrest during the holidays could mean spending the holidays in jail.
7. Arrests for domestic disputes can result in bond conditions that prevent contact between parties, prevent people from returning to their home, and prevent families from celebrating together with their children.
8. Charges of family violence (crimes that occur between two parties who have a relationship; parents of children, siblings, married and dating couples, and people living together in the same household) can create additional issues such as the inability to possess firearms, family violence intervention classes, and the previously mentioned no contact provisions.
9. If someone is out on bond, probation, or parole; new charges may get them held for revocation on their earlier case.
Please keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season. If you have any questions regarding the legal consequences of holiday drama, please call for a free consultation. My number is 678-753-6431 and I am available by phone or text. Stay safe. Happy holidays.
