Austell increases fines for disorderly conduct

Disorderly conduct fines were changed on March 4 by the Austell City Council.

Fines had been $224 for the first offense, $438 for the second offense and $856 for the third offense.

Now the fines will be $250 as a minimum and $1,000 as a maximum for each offense.

Austell City Attorney Scott Kimbrough said these adjustments were made at the request of Austell’s Chief Solicitor Leann MacDougall.

Kimbrough said MacDougall wanted more flexibility in dealing with people facing these charges.

Through the Austell Municipal Court, MacDougall conducts the trial.

However, her decision can be appealed to the Cobb County Superior Court within 30 days of the decision.