1. Georgia Law and Consequences Regarding Computer / Internet Usage for Students
E. Logan Butler
Attorney at Law
Patterson Moore Butler, LLC

2. Student Code of Conduct
Off Campus behavior can be a violation
Gang related activity
Terroristic Threats, False Alarms
Language and Sexual Behavior Restrictions
Instigating Rule Violations
Disrespectful Conduct
Bullying
Cell Phone Searches

3. Student Code of Conduct
Tribunal Process
Suspension of more than 10 days or Expulsion
Evidentiary Hearing to determine guilt and punishment
May be represented by an attorney
Long Term Suspension or Expulsion – Gateway Academy

4. Georgia Law – Stalking O.C.G.A. 16-5-90
Contact another without consent for the purpose of harassing and intimidating that person
Contact includes any contact by electronic device, phone, mail, etc.
Misdemeanor Offense
Can be the basis for a civil protective order

5. Georgia Law – Harassing Communications O.C.G.A. 16-11-39.1
Repeated contact via phone, , text, etc.
Purpose of harassing, molesting, threatening or intimidating that person
Misdemeanor offense

6. Georgia Law – Terroristic Threats O.C.G.A. 16-11-37
A threat to commit a crime of violence
Release a hazardous substance
Burn or damage property
A misdemeanor offense unless the threat suggests the death of the other person – then it’s a felony
Computer dissemination of information related to terroristic acts

7. Georgia Law – Child Pornography O.C.G.A. 16-12-100
Picture or Video of anyone under 18 years old
Engaged in “sexually explicit conduct”
Wide range, most typical is sexting
Felony (5-20 years, up to $100,000 fine)
Misdemeanor where:
Minor at least 14
Minor consented in the visual medium
Defendant 18 or younger
No Distribution
Unless an agreement that distribution was not for harassment, embarrassment, or intimidation

8. Georgia Law – Eavesdropping O.C.G.A. 16-11-62
Cannot overhear, record, photograph the activities of another in a private place
Cannot distribute
Felony offense

9. Georgia Law – Computer Theft, Trespass, Invasion of Privacy, Password Disclosure O.C.G.A. 16-9-93
Using computer without authority to take any property
Using computer without authority to delete data or programs, cause interference
Using a computer to view private information
All felony
Disclosure of password
Misdemeanor

10. Questions