Criminal Receipt of Goods and Services Fraudulently Obtained in Georgia

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While it’s clearly illegal to fraudulently purchase goods and services with forged and fake financial transaction cards, currency and other financial devices, it is also illegal in Georgia to receive money, goods, services, or anything of value when you know that these goods were fraudulently obtained.

What’s the law on criminal receipt?

O.C.G.A. section 16-9-35 reads A person commits the offense of criminally receiving goods and services fraudulently obtained when he receives money, goods, services, or anything else of value obtained in violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-9-33 with the knowledge or belief that the same were obtained in violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 16-9-33.

If you are found guilty of the criminal receipt of goods and services fraudulently obtained in Georgia you are guilty of a felony and can potentially serve prison time.

As with all fraud and forgery crimes we have discussed so far, knowledge and intent are essential elements of committing this crime. The State must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the required intent to commit the crime, which in this case would be the knowledge that the goods or services were fraudulently obtained before receiving them, or once aware they were fraudulently obtained to return the goods or alert authorities.

Call us today!

If you believe you may be under investigation or have already been charged with criminal receipt of goods and services, please call our office immediately at 404-581-0999 to schedule a free consultation.

False Proof of Insurance Documents

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Insurance Need to Knows

Every driver in Georgia is required to have the minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident before they can drive their vehicle on the road. An insurance policy covers a specific vehicle or set of vehicles and is acquired by paying a premium to a Georgia auto insurer. Insurance in Georgia is proven through a proof of insurance document issued on behalf of the insurer to a policyholder in order to prove the minimum liability coverage. 

False Proof of Insurance

It is a felony in Georgia to manufacture, sell or distribute a false proof of insurance document in Georgia and is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or two to ten years in custody. Just possessing a false proof of insurance document in Georgia is just a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a year in custody. 

What Does the Law Say?

The statute reads that “A proof of insurance document shall be deemed counterfeit or false if the proof of insurance document has been altered, modified, or originally issued in any manner which contains false information concerning the insurer, the owner, the motor vehicle, or the insurance thereon.”

If you’ve been arrested for a proof of insurance violation or any other fraud charge our office of experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys can help. Call us today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation.