Georgia Deputy Hit by Vehicle During Traffic Stop

A suspect is on the run after he allegedly hit a Spalding County deputy with his vehicle during a traffic stop.

According to reports, he ran over the deputy's foot and then he attempted to run and ultimately injured another deputy during a foot chase. He is wanted on several different charges.

One of the offenses that this suspect has been accused of committing is felony obstruction of a police officer in Georgia. As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law behind this offense in today's post.

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

DUI in Georgia has many related offenses. As a firm, we specialize on these type of charges and can help you with your case if you have been arrested. Call us now.