Penalties

The goal of code enforcement is to achieve voluntary compliance with City ordinances.

If compliance is not achieved, a Code Enforcement Officer may issue a Notice of Violation or a citation.

Penalties may include fines, mandatory court appearances, or other remedies authorized by law.

If You Receive a Citation

Please appear in Municipal Court on the scheduled court date and time listed on your citation.

Bring any documentation that demonstrates the violation or violations have been corrected.

Fines or other penalties may be assessed at the discretion of the City Solicitor and Municipal Court Judge.

Related Terms

Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is less serious than a felony.

Under Georgia law, local ordinance violations are generally classified as misdemeanors and may be heard in Municipal Court or Magistrate Court.

Penalties for many misdemeanor offenses may include fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months.

Misdemeanor of a High and Aggravated Nature

A misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature carries more severe penalties than a standard misdemeanor.

Although the maximum jail sentence remains up to 12 months, reduced good-time credit may apply during incarceration.

Fines may be as high as $5,000.

Additional Consequences of Misdemeanor Convictions

In addition to jail time, probation, fines, or restitution, misdemeanor convictions may result in additional consequences, including:

• Community service
• Loss of the right to possess a firearm for certain offenses
• Loss of federal financial aid eligibility for certain drug offenses
• Limitations on employment opportunities
• Loss of driving privileges
• Suspension of vehicle registration or license plates
• Publication of booking or court-related information where permitted by law