Section 16-12-125. Avoiding or interfering with securing measures; penalty; exemption

   (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, it shall be unlawful for any person to avoid or interfere with a properly functioning security measure. Any person convicted of a violation of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature; provided, however, that any person who violates this Code section with the intent to commit a felony within the terminal or with regard to any aircraft, bus, or rail vehicle shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than five nor more than 25 years, a fine not to exceed $100,000.00, or both.

(b) Any violation of this Code section shall be considered a separate offense.

(c) This Code section shall not apply to authorized agents of the entity owning or operating such security measure.

Code 1981, § 16-12-125, enacted by Ga. L. 2002, p. 1094, § 5; Ga. L. 2003, p. 423, § 2.