Damage to property in Georgia — Article 187
Under Article 187 it is a crime to damage or destroy someone else's property where this causes significant damage — over GEL 150. Smaller damage is not a crime under this article; in that case compensation is usually claimed through a civil claim.
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What is the penalty
| When | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Basic offence — significant damage | A fine, 100–180 hours of community service, corrective labour for up to 1 year, house arrest from 6 months to 2 years, or imprisonment from 1 to 5 years |
| By arson, explosion or another generally dangerous method; repeatedly; as a group | Imprisonment from 3 to 6 years |
| The same, negligently causing a person's death or another grave consequence | Imprisonment from 6 to 10 years |
| The same, causing the death of two or more people | Imprisonment from 9 to 12 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
- Valuation of the damage — under GEL 150 it is not a crime under this article
- Whether the damage was intentional
- The expert report on the cause and cost of the damage
- Compensation and settlement with the victim
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
Someone damaged my car — is that a crime?
If it was intentional and the damage exceeds GEL 150 — yes, it is a crime under Article 187. Go to the police and keep photos and video.
What if the damage is under GEL 150?
It is not a crime under this article. You can claim compensation through a civil claim.
What is the penalty for damaging someone's property?
For the basic offence — from a fine up to 5 years in prison; by arson, explosion or as a group — 3 to 6 years.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Related practice area: Property crimes
Crimes and penalties
Theft
Article 177Secretly taking someone else's property. Penalties range from a fine to 10 years, depending on the damage and circumstances.Robbery (open theft)
Article 178Openly taking someone else's property. Penalties range from a fine to 11 years, depending on the damage, violence and other factors.Violent robbery
Article 179An attack to take property, with violence dangerous to life or health or the threat of it. Penalty: 5 to 15 years.Extortion
Article 181Demanding money or property under threat of violence, damage or spreading compromising information. Up to 9 years.Embezzlement
Article 182Unlawfully keeping or spending property or money you were entrusted with — often at work. Up to 11 years.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.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
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