Georgia § 12-5-385 - Criminal and civil penalties.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-5-385 — Criminal and civil penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-5-385. Criminal and civil penalties.
Any person who engages in any action made unlawful by this part shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of continued violation after conviction shall constitute a separate offense. As an alternative to criminal enforcement pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, the director may impose civil penalties in accordance with the following provisions: Any person violating any provision of this part or any permit condition or limitation established pursuant to this part or negligently or willfully failing or refusing to comply with any final order of the director issued as provided in this part shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000.00 for such violation and an additional civil penalty not to exceed $500.00 for each day during which the violation continues; Whenever the director has reason to believe that any person has violated any provision of this part or any permit condition or limitation established pursuant to this part or has negligently or willfully failed or refused to comply with any final order of the director, he may, upon written request, cause a hearing to be conducted before a hearing officer appointed by the board. Upon a finding that such person has violated any provision of this part or any permit condition or limitation established pursuant to this part or has negligently or willfully failed or refused to comply with a final order of the director, the hearing officer shall issue his initial decision imposing such civil penalties as are provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection. Such hearing and any administrative or judicial review thereof shall be conducted in accordance with subsection (c) of Code Section 12-2-2. (Ga. L. 1978, p. 795, § 14.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 12-5-385
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-5-385 cover?
Section 12-5-385 ("Criminal and civil penalties.") 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 § 12-5-385?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 12-5-385" (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 § 12-5-385 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.