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This page is a current-reference page for 16-8-3. Theft by deception.. Match the facts to the statutory language and verify local charging practice for enhancements or related offenses.
O.C.G.A. section
16-8-3. Theft by deception.
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
16-8-3. Theft by deception.
A person commits the offense of theft by deception when he obtains property by any deceitful means or artful practice with the intention of depriving the owner of the property.
A person deceives if he intentionally:
Creates or confirms another’s impression of an existing fact or past event which is false and which the accused knows or believes to be false;
Fails to correct a false impression of an existing fact or past event which he has previously created or confirmed;
Prevents another from acquiring information pertinent to the disposition of the property involved;
Sells or otherwise transfers or encumbers property intentionally failing to disclose a substantial and valid known lien, adverse claim, or other legal impediment to the enjoyment of the property, whether such impediment is or is not a matter of official record; or
Promises performance of services which he does not intend to perform or knows will not be performed. Evidence of failure to perform standing alone shall not be sufficient to authorize a conviction under this subsection.
“Deceitful means” and “artful practice” do not, however, include falsity as to matters having no pecuniary significance, or exaggeration by statements unlikely to deceive ordinary persons in the group addressed.
(Code 1933, § 26-1803, enacted by Ga. L. 1968, p. 1249, § 1.)
Law reviews.
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For survey article on criminal law and procedure, see 34 Mercer L. Rev. 89 (1982). For article, “A Comprehensive Analysis of Georgia RICO,” see 9 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 537 (1993). For survey article on criminal law, see 59 Mercer L. Rev. 89 (2007).
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.