Georgia Man Faces a Charge for Obstruction After Escaping Police for the Second Time This Summer

Timmy Patmon is facing another obstruction charge after allegedly fleeing from police for the second time this summer in Clarke County. According to the police reports, Patmon had active warrants for drug possession charges, and when officers attempted to arrest him he yelled, escaped, and ran away. Authorities are now attempting to locate him.

Earlier this summer, a former Athens officer also attempted to arrest Patmon. The officer chased and hit Patmon with his patrol car. He was subsequently fired from Athens PD.

Obstruction in Georgia can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The difference between the two levels of offenses exists within the offense itself and whether or not the accused person offered or committed violence towards the officer. 

Misdemeanor Obstruction in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines the misdemeanor version of obstruction as:

When a person knowingly or willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties. O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(a).

If convicted of misdemeanor obstruction, the penalty can be up to twelve months in jail, fines up to $1,000, or both.

Felony Obstruction in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines the felony version of obstruction as:

When a person knowingly and willfully resist, obstruct, or oppose 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. O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(b).

If convicted of felony obstruction, the penalty can be imprisonment of one to five years, a minimum fine of $300, community service, or anger management classes.

Practice Note

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I help many clients with both charges of obstruction and DUI in Georgia quite frequently. These charges tend to go hand in hand. There are plenty of Georgia DUI Defenses that can apply to these charges. 

If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices today.