Have You Been Charged with Displaying Restricted Film Previews to General Audiences in Georgia?

Obscenity crimes vary by state and carry heavy punishments. If you have been charged with an obscenity-related crime, you need the assistance of an experienced Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer. 

O.C.G.A. §16-12-85

It shall be unlawful for any motion picture theater owner, operator, or projectionist to display to the audience within the theater scenes from a film to be shown at the theater at some future time when the viewing of that film from which the scenes are taken is restricted to adults or requires minors to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Penalty for Being Convicted of Displaying Restricted Film Previews to a General Audience in Georgia 

In Georgia, a conviction under O.C.G.A. §16-12-85 will be treated as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor convictions come with a $1,000 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.

Displaying Restricted Film Previews to a General Audience Defenses in Georgia

The movie was not rated: If the motion picture was not rated, then the crime defined in O.C.G.A. §16-12-85 does not apply.

It was the first display of a preview trailer in any motion picture: The statute outlines that if it was the first display in any motion picture of a preview trailer, then this Code Section does not apply. 

The movie was restricted as to the viewing age: If the viewing age of the movie was controlled or there were other stipulations, then there may not have been a crime.

What are Not Defenses

It was unintentional: The statute does not state intent as an element for this crime; therefore, you could still be convicted even if it was an accident.

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The criminal justice system was not designed for self-service. It can be extremely challenging and overwhelming to try and defend yourself. Let the Attorneys at our Georgia Criminal Defense Firm assist with your case. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.