Learn About the Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of March 28, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) “Critical infrastructure” shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 16-11-220.
(2) “Electronic means” means any unauthorized transmission of fraudulent or unauthorized data, including data that is self-replicating or self-propagating, and any use of other technology that successfully modifies, alters, damages, destroys, records, or transmits information which disrupts normal operations.
(3) “Public transportation system” shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 16-11-220.
(4) “Vital public service” includes water, sewerage, drainage, energy, electric, gas, natural gas, telecommunication, internet, cable, navigation, collision avoidance, public transportation systems, railroads, and other services the loss of which would have a debilitating impact on the health, safety, or financial security of the public.
(b) A person commits the offense of criminal damage to property in the first degree when he or she:
(1) Knowingly and without authority interferes with any property in a manner so as to endanger human life; or
(2) Knowingly and without authority and by either force or violence or by electronic means interferes with the proper operation of any critical infrastructure or any vital public service.
(c) A person convicted of the offense of criminal damage to property in the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than ten years; provided, however, that a person convicted of a violation of paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of this Code section shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two nor more than 20 years.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Georgia Code Title 16. Crimes and Offenses § 16-7-22 - last updated March 28, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-16-crimes-and-offenses/ga-code-sect-16-7-22.html
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw's Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)