Georgia State Trooper Shot During Police Chase

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has reported that the ninth officer shooting has happen in Madison County.

A suspect has been accused of shooting an officer during a police chase after he fled the scene of a traffic stop. The incident lasted multiple hours and the man brandished what officers described as an assault-style rifle.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline only one of the offenses that the suspect has been accused of committing - obstruction. Although he is facing some other serious felony charges - he will also most likely be facing felony obstruction charges as well for his behavior towards the officers involved in this incident.

Obstruction of a Police Officer in Georgia

Obstruction of a Police Officer in Georgia is defined in the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §16-10-24 as either a misdemeanor offense or a felony offense. Different behaviors and actions constitute whether or not the crime will be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony.

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

There are various criminal offenses that are related to DUI in Georgia, if you or someone you know has been arrested, contact our offices today. We can help you with your case so that you better understand all of your options.