2025 Georgia Codes – Page 78

16-8-5

Services - Theft of

Theft of servicesTheft - Services

A person commits the offense of theft of services when by deception and with the intent to avoid payment he
knowingly obtains services, accommodations, entertainment, or the use of personal property which is avail-
able only for compensation.

16-8-5.1

Inferences - Theft of rented property

Inference - Theft of rented propertyTheft - Rented property - Inferences

The trier of fact may infer that the accused intended to avoid payment due for the rental or lease of any
personal property in any prosecution pursuant to Code Section 16-8-2, relating to theft by taking; 16-8-3,
relating to theft by deception; 16-8-4, relating to theft by conversion; or 16-8-5, relating to theft of services;
if a person knowingly:
(1) Used false identification;
(2) Provided false information on a written contract;
(3) Made, drew, uttered, executed, or delivered an instrument for the payment of money on any bank or other
depository in exchange for present consideration, knowing that it would not be honored by the drawee;
(4) Abandoned any property at a location that is not the location agreed upon for return and that would not
be reasonably known to the owner;
(5) Returned any property to a location that would not reasonably be known to the owner without notifying
the owner; or
(6) Returned any property at a time beyond posted business hours of the owner.
No person shall be convicted under Code Section 16-8-2, relating to theft by taking; 16-8-3, relating to theft
by deception; 16-8-4, relating to theft by conversion; or 16-8-5, relating to theft of services; where there was
an agreement to delay payment for such property or services or the accused makes payment in full within
two business days after returning the property or obtaining the services.