# Petty hooliganism in Georgia — Article 166 (admin.)

Petty hooliganism is swearing in a public place, insultingly accosting people and similar acts that disturb public order or people's peace (Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences). A similar act committed with violence or the threat of violence is criminal hooliganism (Article 239).

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## Possible penalties

WhenPenaltyPart 1 — petty hooliganismA fine of GEL 500–3,000 or up to 20 days of administrative detentionPart 2 — repeated after an administrative penaltyA fine of GEL 3,000–5,000 or 5 to 60 days of administrative detentionIn additionLoss of the right to carry a weapon for up to 3 years; for a foreigner — possible expulsion and an entry ban of up to 3 years
Penalties follow the current text of the Criminal Code of Georgia. In a specific case the outcome depends on the circumstances, compensation of damage, a plea agreement and other factors.

## What matters for the defence

- Whether the place was public and public order was disturbed

- Video and witnesses

- Accuracy of the record — which words and actions were written down

- A personal conflict or a breach of public order

## If you were detained for an administrative offence

- You must be brought before a court within 24 hours; to gather evidence this can be extended once by another 24 hours — otherwise you must be released

- Ask for a lawyer — a court decides the case and the outcome can be administrative detention

- Sign the record only after reading it; if you disagree, write down your objection

- The court's decision can be appealed within 10 days of receiving it

## Questions & answers

### What is the penalty under Article 166?

A fine of GEL 500–3,000 or up to 20 days of administrative detention. On a repeat — GEL 3,000–5,000 or 5 to 60 days.

### How is it different from criminal hooliganism?

Criminal hooliganism (Article 239) involves violence or the threat of violence. Without it, it is usually petty hooliganism.

### Can I appeal?

Yes. The court's decision can be appealed within 10 days of receiving it.

## Legal basis

- [Code of Administrative Offences of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/28216)

Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.

Related practice area: [Administrative law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/)

## Related topics

- [#Public authorities](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/)

- [#Your rights](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/)

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- [Disobeying the police — Article 173](https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/disobeying-police-article-173/)

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- [Administrative law lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/administrative-law-lawyer/)

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- [Drunk driving in Georgia: fines, licence, prison](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/drunk-driving-in-georgia/)

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- [How to appeal a fine in Georgia](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/how-to-appeal-a-fine/)

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- [Criminal defence lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

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- [Juvenile lawyer in Georgia: legal help for minors](https://mmlaw.ge/en/juvenile-justice-lawyer/)

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- [Residence permits · For foreigners](https://mmlaw.ge/en/foreigners/residence-permit-in-georgia/)

Criminal law

## Crimes and penalties

- [Disobeying the police](https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/disobeying-police-article-173/) — Article 173 Disobeying a lawful police demand or insulting an officer: a fine up to GEL 5,000 or up to 60 days of administrative detention.

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Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/petty-hooliganism-article-166/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge