Georgia § 15-16-51 - Use of sheriff's office name.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-16-51 — Use of sheriff's office name., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-16-51. Use of sheriff's office name.
It is declared to be contrary to the health, safety, and public welfare of the people of this state for any individual or organization to act in a manner which would mislead the public into believing that a member of the public is dealing with any sheriff's office or with a member thereof when in fact the individual or organization is not the sheriff's office or a member thereof. Furthermore, the sheriff's office, which has provided quality law enforcement services to the citizens of this state, has established a name for excellence in its field. This name should be protected for the sheriff's office, its members, and the citizens of this state. Therefore, no person or organization should be allowed to use any sheriff office's name or any term used to identify the sheriff's office or its members without the express permission of the sheriff. The provisions of this article are in furtherance of the promotion of this policy. (Code 1981, § 15-16-51 , enacted by Ga. L. 1997, p. 1496, § 1; Ga. L. 1999, p. 81, § 15.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-16-51
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-16-51 cover?
Section 15-16-51 ("Use of sheriff's office name.") 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 § 15-16-51?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-16-51" (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 § 15-16-51 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.