Georgia § 17-16-22 - Right of defendant to copy of statement given while in police custody; failure of prosecution to comply; evidence discovered after filing of request.

Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-16-22 — Right of defendant to copy of statement given while in police custody; failure of prosecution to comply; evidence discovered after filing of request., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-16-22. Right of defendant to copy of statement given while in police custody; failure of prosecution to comply; evidence discovered after filing of request.

At least ten days prior to the trial of the case, the defendant shall be entitled to have a copy of any statement given by the defendant while in police custody. The defendant may make such request for a copy of any such statement, in writing, within any reasonable period of time prior to trial. If the defendant's statement is oral or partially oral, the prosecution shall furnish, in writing, all relevant and material portions of the defendant's statement. Failure of the prosecution to comply with a defendant's timely written request for a copy of such defendant's statement, whether written or oral, shall result in such statement being excluded and suppressed from the prosecution's use in its case-in-chief or in rebuttal. If the defendant's statement is oral, no relevant and material, incriminating or inculpatory, portion of the statement of the defendant may be used against the defendant unless it has been previously furnished to the defendant, if a timely written request for a copy of the statement has been made by the defendant. This Code section shall not apply to evidence discovered after a request has been filed. If a request has been filed, such evidence shall be produced as soon as possible after it has been discovered. (Code 1981, § 17-16-22 , enacted by Ga. L. 1994, p. 1895, § 4.)

Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 17-16-22

What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-16-22 cover?

Section 17-16-22 ("Right of defendant to copy of statement given while in police custody; failure of prosecution to comply; evidence discovered after filing of request.") 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 § 17-16-22?

A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-16-22" (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 § 17-16-22 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.