Georgia § 16-3-22 - Immunity from criminal liability of persons rendering assistance to law enforcement officers.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-22 — Immunity from criminal liability of persons rendering assistance to law enforcement officers., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 16-3-22. Immunity from criminal liability of persons rendering assistance to law enforcement officers.
Any person who renders assistance reasonably and in good faith to any law enforcement officer who is being hindered in the performance of his official duties or whose life is being endangered by the conduct of any other person or persons while performing his official duties shall be immune to the same extent as the law enforcement officer from any criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of rendering assistance to the law enforcement officer. The official report of the law enforcement agency shall create a rebuttable presumption of good faith and reasonableness on the part of the person who assists the law enforcement officer. The purpose of this Code section is to provide for those persons who act in good faith to assist law enforcement officers whose health and safety is being adversely affected and threatened by the conduct of any other person or persons. This Code section shall be liberally construed so as to carry out the purposes thereof. (Code 1933, § 27-219, enacted by Ga. L. 1967, p. 745, §§ 1, 2.) Cross references. - Exercise of power of arrest by private persons generally, § 17-4-60 et seq.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 16-3-22
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-22 cover?
Section 16-3-22 ("Immunity from criminal liability of persons rendering assistance to law enforcement officers.") 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 § 16-3-22?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-3-22" (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 § 16-3-22 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.