Hey folks, what amount of unpaid child support makes it a criminal in Georgia? I have heard differing views and would like to know the specifics, particularly on the amount of overdue child support that must be accumulated before criminal charges can be brought. Any first-hand knowledge or legal insights?
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In Georgia, back child support becomes a felony when the amount owed reaches $2,500 or more. Parents who fail to pay child support can face serious consequences, including felony charges. Once the outstanding amount exceeds this threshold, it is considered a felony offense.
In Georgia, failing to pay child support is a serious offense. Although there isn’t a specific dollar amount that triggers criminal charges, prolonged non-payment can lead to severe consequences.
Key Points:
Misdemeanor: Consistent failure to pay child support can result in misdemeanor charges.
Felony: Repeated offenses or significant amounts of unpaid support can lead to felony charges.
Other Penalties:
- License Revocation: This can include your driver’s license, professional licenses, and more.
- Passport Denial: You may be denied a passport or have your existing passport revoked.
- Wage Garnishment: Your wages can be garnished directly from your paycheck to cover unpaid support.
- Tax Refund Interception: State and federal tax refunds can be intercepted to cover unpaid child support.
- Property Seizure: Assets such as bank accounts and other property may be seized to satisfy unpaid child support obligations.
In Georgia, unpaid child support can become a criminal issue if a person willfully fails to pay for a significant period, typically when arrears exceed $10,000 or if payments are overdue by more than a year. This can lead to charges of criminal contempt or even felony charges in severe cases. From my understanding, the courts take these matters seriously, and it’s crucial to stay informed and seek legal advice if you or someone you know is facing this situation.