Beating and violence in Georgia — Article 126: penalties
Article 126 punishes beating or other violence that caused the victim physical pain without the result covered by Article 120 (minor harm to health), as well as systematic beating or violence. If health was harmed, Articles 117, 118 or 120 may apply; if it was against a family member — Article 126¹ (domestic violence). Article 125 has been removed from the Code.
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Possible penalties
| When | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Beating or other violence causing physical pain (Part 1) | A fine, 120 to 180 hours of community service, house arrest from 6 months to 1 year, or imprisonment for up to 1 year |
| The same, knowingly against a minor, a helpless person, a person with a disability or a pregnant woman; as a group; against two or more persons; repeatedly (Part 1¹) | A fine, 180 to 240 hours of community service, or imprisonment for up to 2 years |
| Systematic beating or other violence causing physical or mental suffering (Part 1²) | House arrest from 1 to 2 years or imprisonment from 1 to 3 years |
| Systematic violence with aggravating circumstances — e.g. against two or more persons, a pregnant woman or a minor, as a group, repeatedly, using a weapon (Part 2) | Imprisonment from 4 to 6 years; a ban on holding office or an activity for up to 3 years may be added |
Penalties follow the current text of the Criminal Code of Georgia and, for administrative offences, of the Code of Administrative Offences. In a specific case the outcome depends on the circumstances, compensation of damage, in criminal cases a plea agreement, and other factors.
What matters for the defence
- Whether the act caused physical pain — medical records and forensic examination
- Who started the conflict: video and witnesses
- Self-defence — whether you were protecting yourself or someone else
- The right article: 126, 126¹ or 117–120 — and whether the aggravating circumstance is well founded
If you are accused or arrested
- Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer — from the first contact with the investigating authority
- Don't sign any document you don't understand
- You must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the next 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure
- Decide on compensating the damage or settling with the victim together with your lawyer
If you are a victim
- Call 112 or go to the police or the prosecutor's office
- Keep the evidence: photos, video, messages, receipts, witnesses' contacts
- Ask for victim status — it gives you rights in the case, for example to be informed about its progress
- You can claim compensation for the damage — a lawyer will help
Questions & answers
What is the penalty for beating someone in Georgia?
If the beating caused physical pain but no minor harm to health, under Article 126, Part 1 — a fine, 120 to 180 hours of community service, house arrest from 6 months to 1 year, or imprisonment for up to 1 year.
What is Article 125?
Article 125 has been removed from the Criminal Code. Beating is now punished under Article 126 ('Violence').
I was injured in a beating — which article applies?
If health was harmed, it is bodily harm — Article 120 (minor), 118 (less serious) or 117 (serious). A forensic medical examination decides the level.
I was defending myself — will I still be punished?
Harm caused within the limits of necessary self-defence is not a crime. The key is that the defence was proportionate to the attack — a lawyer proves this with evidence.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Important: the information on this page is general and based on the law in force on the date it was published.
Laws change and every case is different, so this information doesn't replace advice from a lawyer. Before you act on it, contact us. MMLAW is not responsible for decisions made solely on the basis of this information.
Related practice area: Violent crimes
Crimes and penalties
Bodily harm
Article 117, 118, 120Intentional minor, less serious and serious bodily harm — penalties from a fine to 14 years.Hooliganism
Article 239A gross breach of public order with violence or the threat of violence. Penalties from a fine to 7 years.Domestic violence
Article 126¹Violence, systematic insults, blackmail or humiliation of a family member. Up to 3 years and a restraining order.Murder
Article 108Intentional murder, murder with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder and causing death by negligence. Up to life imprisonment.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
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