Section 15-16-57. Civil penalty; attorney's fees

   In addition to any other relief or sanction for a violation of Code Section 15-16-53 or 15-16-54, where the violation is willful, the sheriff shall be entitled to collect a civil penalty in the amount of $500.00 for each violation. Further, when there is a finding of willful violation, the sheriff shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees for bringing any action against the violator. The sheriff shall be entitled to seek civil sanctions in the superior court in the county of residence of the violator.

Code 1981, § 15-16-57, enacted by Ga. L. 1997, p. 1496, § 1.