Georgia § 12-4-50 - Obedience to subpoena required; self-incrimination not a defense; use of evidence in criminal prosecutions.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-4-50 — Obedience to subpoena required; self-incrimination not a defense; use of evidence in criminal prosecutions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-4-50. Obedience to subpoena required; self-incrimination not a defense; use of evidence in criminal prosecutions.
In any contested administrative hearing under this part, no person shall be excused from attending and testifying, or from producing books, papers, and records before the administrative law judge, or from obedience to the subpoena of the administrative law judge, on the ground or for the reason that the testimony or evidence, documentary or otherwise, required by him or her may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to a penalty or forfeiture, provided that nothing contained in this Code section shall be construed as requiring any person to produce any books, papers, or records, or to testify in response to any inquiry, not pertinent to a question lawfully before the administrative law judge for determination. No evidence given by or required of any natural person shall be used or admitted against such a person in any criminal prosecution for any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which he or she may be required to testify or produce evidence, documentary or otherwise, before the administrative law judge in obedience to the subpoena; provided, however, that no person testifying shall be exempt from prosecution and punishment for perjury committed in so testifying. (Ga. L. 1945, p. 366, § 13; Ga. L. 1975, p. 966, § 12; Ga. L. 1976, p. 544, § 9; Ga. L. 1984, p. 398, § 8; Ga. L. 2018, p. 953, § 1/HB 205; Ga. L. 2019, p. 1056, § 12/SB 52.) The 2019 amendment, effective May 12, 2019, part of an Act to revise, modernize, and correct the Code, substituted "obedience to the subpoena" for "obedience to its subpoena" in the last sentence.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 12-4-50
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-4-50 cover?
Section 12-4-50 ("Obedience to subpoena required; self-incrimination not a defense; use of evidence in criminal prosecutions.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 12-4-50?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-4-50" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 12-4-50 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.