Since the beginning of 2025, the enactment of the Defense Code of Georgia has completely transformed the rules and procedures for fulfilling military duty. Previous legislative loopholes have been closed, regulations have been tightened, and the conscription process has become more complex. In this new reality, qualified legal assistance is critically important for conscripts and their families. Our team at Legal Sandbox Georgia has an in-depth understanding of the new Code and offers full legal support to ensure your lawful rights are protected at every stage of the conscription process.
The new Defense Code clearly defines the grounds for deferment and exemption from national military service. Deferment is possible due to student status (up to a legally defined age limit), temporary health issues, or other specific reasons. A full exemption from service is linked to a health condition that renders a person unfit for military duty, family circumstances (such as having three or more children or being the sole family provider), or status as a clergyman. The lawyers on our team will assess your specific circumstances and help you determine which legal grounds are relevant in your case.
In case of disagreement with a decision of the conscription commission, the law provides a clear, two-stage appeal process, but adherence to legally mandated deadlines is crucial. The first step, within a specific timeframe after receiving a negative decision, is to prepare and file an administrative complaint with a superior administrative body. If this complaint is not satisfied, the second stage involves filing a lawsuit in court. Our team manages this entire process: we prepare all necessary documentation, draft legally sound complaints and lawsuits, and represent your interests before both the administrative body and the court.
The Constitution of Georgia also recognizes the freedom of conscience, confession, and belief, which provides the basis for the right to non-military, alternative labor service. This right is not automatic and requires a substantiated application in which the conscript must justify that their belief system is categorically incompatible with military service. We assist clients in this process, preparing a well-argued application and providing representation before the relevant commission to ensure their constitutional right is fully and fairly realized.
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