Man Charged with Felony Obstruction After Using Georgia Officer’s Taser Against Him

Mark Antunez was accused of felony drug possession of methamphetamine and another schedule IV substance. However, according to reports, as he was being arrested police reported that Antunez grabbed an officer's taser and used it against the officer. This added another charge to Antunez's list of charges.

Fortunately, the officer was rushed to the hospital after being struck twice by the taser. Antunez is being held in the Cobb County jail.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I am very familiar with the offense of obstruction. To put it simply - obstruction is when an individual hinders a police officer from doing his official duties. In today's post I will outline the legal definition of obstruction and the potential consequences that could occur if convicted.

Obstruction in Georgia

Obstruction in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §16-10-24 as:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, a person who knowingly and willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Whoever knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any law enforcement officer, prison guard, correctional officer, probation supervisor, parole supervisor, or conservation ranger in the lawful discharge of his official duties by offering or doing violence to the person of such officer or legally authorized person is guilty of a felony and shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

According to Georgia law, misdemeanor obstruction in Georgia can result in a 12 month maximum sentence and/or a $1000 fine, community service, anger management classes, and anything else allowed under the misdemeanor sentencing laws of Georgia. And felony obstruction in Georgia can result in a sentence of between one and five years in prison and/or community service and anger management classes.  Additionally, the fines can be thousands of dollars. 

Practice Note

Typically, an obstruction charge stems from a person running when confronted by police. Moreover, resisting arrest is also a common act leading to an obstruction charge. Lying or offering false information can also lead to an obstruction charge.

If you or a loved one is facing a charge associated with DUI in Georgia, contact our offices today.