Have you Been Charged with Using a Laser Against an Aircraft in Georgia?
While laser pointers are cool and enjoyable for people of all ages, they can also be dangerous in certain situations. Georgia deems it a crime to aim a laser pointer at an airplane or anywhere on the flight path. The purpose is to prevent airplanes from being hindered in their flights to ensure the safety of the passengers. However, we at the Office of Lawson and Berry understand accidents happen and people may not be aware of this statute. So if you or a loved one have been charged under with aiming a laser pointer at an airplane in Georgia, call us now.
O.C.G.A. §16-11-45
First, a laser pointer is defined as any device designed or used to amplify electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission that emits a beam designed to be used by the operator as a pointer or highlighter to indicate, mark, or identify a specific position, place, item, or object. (a)(2)
A person will be guilty of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft when they knowingly and intentionally aim the beam of a laser pointer or project a laser at an aircraft or at the flight craft of an aircraft. (b)
Penalty for Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft in Georgia
A person convicted of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The consequences will be a fine up to $1,000, a prison term up to one year, or both. Additionally, a person convicted under this statute will have to be fingerprinted.
Use of Laser Against Aircraft Defenses
It was unintentional: Georgia law requires that the laser pointer is aimed knowingly and intentionally. If you accidentally shined it at an airplane or the aircraft path, then a Georgia Aiming a Laser Pointer Lawyer can use this to obtain an acquittal in your case.
It wasn't a laser pointer: If the mechanism used to shine was not a laser pointer and not one regulated under a statute, then you cannot be charged with violating the statute.
What are not Defenses
I did not directly point the laser: Under O.C.G.A. §16-11-45, a person could still violate the statute by projecting a laser into the sky at an airplane or the flight path of an airplane.
Contact Us
Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a dangerous crime because it affects the safety of pilots trying to safely guide an airplane. However, there are situations where it was done unintentionally and a crime had not occurred. Call the using a laser point lawyers in Georgia now to talk about your case. Don't wait because every second counts. Our lawyers are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions about your case. Call now for a free case evaluation.
