What constitutes "criminal negligence" in Georgia?

Criminal negligence in Georgia is characterized by a person's failure to be aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that results in harm to others. This definition emphasizes that the individual’s negligence is of a significant degree, where a reasonable person would have recognized the risk involved in their actions. In these cases, the lack of awareness is not merely a minor oversight; it reflects a disregard for the potential consequences that a typical reasonable person would consider. Such negligence can lead to criminal liability when it results in harm or injury to another, distinguishing it from ordinary negligence, which may not carry criminal implications.

The concept is essential in the context of criminal law because it establishes a threshold for how someone's actions can be viewed as criminally responsible, even when there is no intent to cause harm. It focuses on the individual's awareness—or lack thereof—of the risks associated with their conduct, thus holding them accountable for failing to recognize situations that could result in significant danger to others.