Georgia Police Officer Fired After Alleged Hit and Run

According to recent reports, Lieutenant Richard Penson, a Rome police officer, has been accused and charged with committing a hit-and-run that injured a young girl in a parking lot of a day care.

Penson was off-duty and driving his personal vehicle when he went to go pick up his child from the same day care. Penson allegedly hit a child in the parking lot with his vehicle.

He has been charged with: Reckless Driving and Hit and Run in Georgia.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the offense of reckless driving in today's post. Reports also show that Penson was charged with second-degree cruelty to children.

Reckless Driving in Georgia

Reckless Driving in Georgia is defined by law as:

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property commits the offense of reckless driving.

(b) Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, provided that no provision of this Code section shall be construed so as to deprive the court imposing the sentence of the power given by law to stay or suspend the execution of such sentence or to place the defendant on probation. O.C.G.A. §40-6-390.

To put it simply, reckless driving includes but is not limited to the following examples:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Driving erratically
• Tailgating
• Weaving
• Racing

Practice Note

Fortunately, the girl is only suffering from an injured foot. Unfortunately for Penson, he has been fired by the police department and surrendered himself to the Floyd County Jail.

If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact our offices today. From DUI in Georgia to Vehicular Homicide in Georgia, we offer the best representation.