O.C.G.A. § 16-8-10: Affirmative defenses to prosecution for violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9.

It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for violation of Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9 that the person:

(1) Was unaware that the property or service was that of another;

(2) Acted under an honest claim of right to the property or service involved;

(3) Acted under a right to acquire or dispose of the property as he or she did; provided, however, that the use of a power of attorney as provided in Chapter 6B of Title 10 shall not, in and of itself, absolve a person from criminal responsibility; or

(4) Took property or service exposed for sale intending to purchase and pay for it promptly or reasonably believing that the owner, if present, would have consented.