Georgia § 16-14-5 - Criminal penalties for violation of Code Section 16-14-4.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-5 — Criminal penalties for violation of Code Section 16-14-4., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-14-5. Criminal penalties for violation of Code Section 16-14-4.
Any person convicted of the offense of engaging in activity in violation of Code Section 16-14-4 shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by not less than five nor more than 20 years' imprisonment or the fine specified in subsection (b) of this Code section, or both. In lieu of any fine otherwise authorized by law, any person convicted of the offense of engaging in conduct in violation of Code Section 16-14-4 may be sentenced to pay a fine that does not exceed the greater of $25,000.00 or three times the amount of any pecuniary value gained by him or her from such violation. The court shall hold a hearing to determine the amount of the fine authorized by subsection (b) of this Code section. For the purposes of subsection (b) of this Code section, the term "pecuniary value" means: Anything of value in the form of money, a negotiable instrument, a commercial interest, or anything else, the primary significance of which is economic advantage; or Any other property or service that has a value in excess of $100.00. (Code 1933, § 26-3404, enacted by Ga. L. 1980, p. 405, § 1; Ga. L. 1985, p. 149, § 16; Ga. L. 2015, p. 693, § 2-25/HB 233.) Editor's notes. - Ga. L. 2015, p. 693, § 4-1/HB 233, not codified by the General Assembly, provides that: "This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2015, and shall apply to seizures of property for forfeiture that occur on or after that date. Any such seizure that occurs before July 1, 2015, shall be governed by the statute in effect at the time of such seizure." Law reviews. - For article on the 2015 amendment of this Code section, see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 1 (2015).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-14-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-5 cover?
Section 16-14-5 ("Criminal penalties for violation of Code Section 16-14-4.") 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 § 16-14-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-14-5" (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 § 16-14-5 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.