Georgia Man Sentenced to 25 Years For Obstruction and Aggravated Assault

A man was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison in Hall County after shooting at a police officer last fall. He was found guilty of numerous charges including aggravated assault and obstruction in Georgia. 

No officers were injured, but the man and his counterpart shot at police after they had been called to a suspicious scene at a restaurant. 

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will focus today's post on the offense of obstruction in the state of Georgia. 

Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer in Georgia

Georgia Law separates the offense of obstruction of a law enforcement officer in Georgia by a misdemeanor version of the offense and a felony version of the offense. 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 misdemeanor 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

Obstruction is an offense commonly paired with DUI in Georgia. If you or a loved one has been arrested or cited in Georgia, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today. We can help with your case and decide which defenses best apply to your situation.