Driver Accused of Hitting Georgia Police Officer

A local driver in Gwinnett County has been arrested for multiple charges. These charges include aggravated assault against a law enforcement as well as felony obstruction.

The incident leading to his arrest occurred this past weekend at a local establishment on Jimmy Carter Boulevard. Authorities claimed that they attempted to stop the man from driving away because they suspected that he was DUI in Georgia. This routine traffic stop attempt resulted in the driver putting his vehicle in reverse and striking one of the officers.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law behind obstruction in the state of Georgia.

Obstruction in Georgia

Obstruction in Georgia is defined in the Georgia Code as: misdemeanor obstruction and felony obstruction.

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 is related to DUI in Georgia. As a firm focused on DUI defense, we understand how to defend against all DUI related offenses. If you have been arrested, contact our offices today.