Section 38-2-374. Summary courts-martial

   (a) Subject to Code Section 38-2-371, summary courts-martial shall have jurisdiction to try persons subject to this article, except officers and warrant officers, for any offenses for which they may be punished by this article.

(b) No person on active state duty with respect to whom courts-martial have jurisdiction shall be brought to trial before a summary court-martial if he objects thereto unless, under Code Section 38-2-360, he has been permitted and has elected to refuse punishment under that Code section. Where objection to trial by summary court-martial is made by an accused who has not been permitted to refuse punishment under Code Section 38-2-360, trial shall be ordered by special or general court-martial, as may be appropriate.

(c) Summary courts-martial shall have the power to sentence a defendant to a fine of not more than $25.00 for a single offense, to forfeiture of pay and allowances, and to reduction of a noncommissioned officer to the ranks.

Ga. L. 1916, p. 158, § 3; Code 1933, § 86-1201; Ga. L. 1951, p. 311, § 23; Ga. L. 1955, p. 10, § 60.19; Ga. L. 1959, p. 114, § 4.