Alleged Drug Dealer Hits Deputies With Car

A known drug dealer in Toccoa was arrested Monday by Stephens County Sheriff's Department for hitting two deputies with his automobile.

The deputies were carrying out a “safety check” in an area known for crime and two homicides a few years ago.  During their check a white Jaguar came through and the deputies could smell what appeared to be marijuana smoke coming from the inside of the vehicle.  The deputies asked the driver if he had been smoking marijuana and he said that he had and agreed to be field-tested for sobriety.

During the testing the man ran away, got into his car and proceeded to drive away, hitting one of the deputies hard enough to throw him up in the air.  He was dragged by the car until he was able to break free of the vehicle.  The driver tried to run  over the other deputy but ended up striking him with the car's side mirror instead.

The driver of the car was apprehended later and will more than likely be charged with something such as serious injury by vehicle, obstruction, and possibly even aggravated assault.  Serious injury by vehicle is a felony and if one is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a charge that can carry a minimum of two years and a maximum of fifteen years per injury.

Obstruction (of an officer) happens when a person interferes with law enforcement's attempt to do their job.  Typically no investigation is needed to support an obstruction charge, all one has to do is not cooperate or comply with a request an officer makes of them.  It is typically a misdemeanor, but if a person injures an officer “by offering or doing violence to the person of such officer or legally authorized person is guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years. See O.C.G.A. § 16-10-24

Aggravated assault (See O.C.G.A. 16-5-21) is also a felony in Georgia and occurs when a deadly weapon (such as a vehicle) is used in a way that causes serious bodily injury.  The penalty can be from one to twenty years in prison, probation of up to twenty years, a fine of up to $100,000, and possibly any restitution to the victim, which could include reimbursing for medical treatment or counseling.

Felony convictions are very serious and can affect one's life in many ways such as the loss of employment, loss of a professional license, the right to carry or own firearms, and can even keep them from renting a house or an apartment, just to name a few.

If you need an attorney that is familiar with cases such as this and others, call the Law Offices of Richard Lawson.  A skilled attorney is available to take your call day or night to assist you in determining your best defense in your case and protect your rights.