Crossing the Guard Line in Georgia

Crossing the guard line is a lesser-known law that many people don't think could apply to them. In basic terms, crossing the guard line occurs when a person attempts to sneak illicit items, such as weapons or drugs, into a correctional facility. While this makes sense, some people are confused as to how they could be charged with this. For example, let's say you are charged with DUI. You forgot you had marijuana in your pocket, and the police did not find it. Once you are taken to jail and booked, then the officers find the marijuana, and now you are being charged with DUI as well as crossing the guard line, even though it was accidental. If this or something similar has happened to you, contact our Georgia DUI Lawyers today. Our office has more than 50 combined years of DUI defense experience. Don't make the mistake of thinking a judge will have mercy on you and put your future in jeopardy. Trust our team of top Georgia DUI lawyers, and we will ensure your rights, future, and freedom are protected.

What is Crossing the Guard Line in Georgia?

According to O.C.G.A. § 42-5-15:

It shall be unlawful for any person to come inside the guard lines established at any state or county correctional institution with a gun, pistol, or any other weapon or with or under the influence of any intoxicating liquor, amphetamines, biphetamines, or any other hallucinogenic or other drugs, without the knowledge or consent of the warden, superintendent, or his designated representative. 

Penalty for Crossing the Guard Line in Georgia

If you or a loved one is convicted of crossing the guard line in Georgia, they will be guilty of a felony with a punishment of a prison term between one and four years. However, felony convictions extend beyond a prison term and can affect you from obtaining employment, credit, or a house. Additionally, as with any felony conviction, you can lose your right to vote and own a firearm.  You also will lose your privilege to travel both throughout the United States and Internationally.

The penalty is severe for crossing the guard line, and that is why you need an experienced attorney to help protect your future! There are always Georgia criminal defenses they can use and alternative punishments they can advocate for. For example, if this is your first offense, we can seek for the court to sentence you under the first offender act. As a first offender, the court can withhold the adjudication of guilty during a person's probation.  If the defendant completes probation without any violations, they will be adjudicated "not guilty.” This protects you from having a felony on your record! However, this first offender treatment can only be used once. If you have questions or think this applies to you, contact our Crossing the Guard Line Lawyers in Georgia now.

How Our Georgia DUI Lawyers Can Help

You may think that there is no hope for your case, and you should just plead guilty to get it over with. That could not be further from the truth! Pleading guilty to a felony is never advised without first speaking with a skilled attorney in Georgia.

We have represented thousands of clients charged with DUI and hundreds charged with crossing the guard line. One of the key elements in a charge for crossing the guard line is that the accused must have had intent to cross the guard line. If you were arrested for DUI and forgot you had marijuana in your pocket, you had no intention to bring it into the jail! Criminal intent is an essential element of crossing the guard line, and our attorneys are skilled in proving that you lacked the necessary intent. Our Georgia DUI Attorneys know how to build your defense and get this charge dropped.

Contact Us Today

Contact our office today, and we will immediately start working on your case! A felony conviction will change your life so do not waste any time in obtaining representation. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call because we pride ourselves on being available to our clients. Act now to protect your future!