Bottom line
This page is a current-reference page for 16-10-20. False statements and writings, concealment of facts, and fraudulent documents in matters within jurisdiction of state or political subdivisions.. Match the facts to the statutory language and verify local charging practice for enhancements or related offenses.
O.C.G.A. section
16-10-20. False statements and writings, concealment of facts, and fraudulent documents in matters within jurisdiction of state or political subdivisions.
Officer field notes
- Identify the exact statutory element supported by the facts; do not rely on the code number alone.
- Document victim/suspect relationship, location, injury/property details, value, weapons, statements, video, and witness evidence when relevant.
- Check family violence, weapon, school zone, prior-conviction, protected-victim, and felony/misdemeanor enhancement issues before final charging.
Report articulation tips
- Use concrete observed facts and quotes instead of conclusions.
- Tie each charge to the element it proves: act, intent/knowledge, victim/property, location, value, injury, or prohibited status.
- If probable cause depends on statements, video, records, or victim/witness identification, identify the source clearly.
Current statutory text
16-10-20. False statements and writings, concealment of facts, and fraudulent documents in matters within jurisdiction of state or political subdivisions.
A person who knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact; makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or makes or uses any false writing or document, knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of state government or of the government of any county, city, or other political subdivision of this state shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or both.
(Code 1933, § 26-2408, enacted by Ga. L. 1976, p. 483, § 1; Ga. L. 1979, p. 1068, § 1; Ga. L. 1982, p. 3, § 16.)
Cross references.
– Violations of this section via assertions of false claims under the Georgia Cotton Producers Indemnity Fund,
§
2-19-7
.
Violation of this section for falsification of contractor affidavit,
§
13-10-91
.
Annual salaries of certain state officials; cost-of-living adjustments,
§
45-7-4
.
Law reviews.
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For article surveying legislative and judicial developments in Georgia local government law for 1978-79, see 31 Mercer L. Rev. 155 (1979). For survey article on criminal law and procedure, see 34 Mercer L. Rev. 89 (1982). For annual survey on criminal law, see 64 Mercer L. Rev. 83 (2012).
Source / verification note: Updated from the Georgia Code public CIC/Lexis-linked source snapshot used for this audit. Verify court-sensitive decisions against the official Georgia Code and agency policy. Last reviewed: 2026-05-23.