Mass Disorder and Riot Defense (Article 225): Defense Against Serious Charges
Mass disorder and group violence are serious crimes against public security. Article 225 of the Criminal Code of Georgia punishes organizing, leading, or participating in group actions accompanied by violence, raiding, damage or destruction of property, use of weapons, or resistance to authority representatives. This article is often used in cases of violent incidents during demonstrations. Charges can be brought against both organizers and ordinary participants. Organizing is punished particularly severely (imprisonment for 6 to 9 years). It is important to distinguish between peaceful assembly and group violence. Often, peaceful protesters accidentally find themselves at the epicenter of violence and are baselessly accused.
Legal.ge offers criminal defense lawyers who will protect you against mass disorder charges. Our experts will examine video footage and prove your individual innocence.
What Does Riot Defense Service Cover?
The lawyer''s service focuses on individualization:
- Identifying Individual Actions: Analyzing video footage to prove that the specific person did not commit violent acts but was merely present.
- Denying Leadership: Proving that the person did not lead the group and did not give instructions for violence.
- Provocation Factor: Investigating whether violence was provoked by police or other groups.
- Reclassification: Attempting to qualify the act under a less severe article (e.g., hooliganism or resistance to police) if signs of mass disorder are not proven.
- Jury Trial: Trying the case before a jury.
Common Scenarios
Charges are often related to:
- Protests: Demonstrations turning into violent confrontations.
- Sports Events: Fights between fans at or outside stadiums.
- Corporate Conflicts: Group intrusion into an office or enterprise.
Georgian Legal Framework
Article 225 of the Criminal Code provides for imprisonment: 4 to 6 years for participation, and 6 to 9 years for organizing/leading. This is a serious crime category. To prove the charge, it must be established that the violence was group-based and large-scale, not an isolated incident.
Steps in the Process with a Specialist
Working with a lawyer includes:
- Evidence: Detailed study of video material.
- Strategy: Separating participation from violence.
- Court: Defense before a jury.
Why Legal.ge?
Riot cases are politicized and complex. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who will protect your rights objectively.
Updated: ...