Atlanta Police Searching for ATV Riders Accused of Obstructing Law Enforcement

Atlanta Police

Atlanta, Ga. – Officers with the Atlanta Police Department are searching for several men who have been accused of riding ATVs and dirt bikes through the city.

During the incident, they allegedly surrounded two officers with the APD. They have been accused of reckless driving and obstruction. It is believed they are members of a group composed of 150-200 riders.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the offense of obstruction in today's post.

Obstruction in Georgia

O.C.G.A. §16-10-24 outlines the crime of obstruction in Georgia. Obstruction can be charged as a felony or as a misdemeanor depending on the nature of the offense.

Misdemeanor obstruction is defined in O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(a) as:

When a person knowingly or willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties.

The penalty for a misdemeanor conviction in Georgia is a fine up to $1,000, jail time up to one year, or both. It can also come with community service, anger management classes, or any other punishments allowed under the misdemeanor sentencing laws of Georgia.

Felony obstruction is defined in O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(b) as:

When a person knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any law enforcement officer, prison guard, correctional officer, community supervision officer, probation officer, or conservation officer in the lawful discharge of his or her official duties by offering or doing violence to the person.

The penalty for a felony obstruction conviction is a prison term between one and five years. In addition to any prison term imposed, the accused will pay a fine of at least $300. Furthermore, the penalty could include community service and anger management classes.

Practice Note

Obstruction charges are seen often in cases involving DUI in Georgia. If you or a loved one has recently been arrested for DUI call our offices today.