Parking Violation Escalates to Felony Obstruction Towards Conyers Officer

Rockdale County Courthouse

Conyers, Ga. - According to reports out of Conyers, a parking violation escalated to felony charges after a woman allegedly acted out towards the officer pointing out the violation.

A woman allegedly attacked an officer in Conyers after he asked why she was illegally parked in a fire lane. The officer reported that the woman closed the window of her vehicle and ignored his questions. He said that he would issue her a citation for the illegal parking. She then began to cuss at the officer and eventually put the vehicle in reverse and struck the officer. She attempted to leave the scene but the officer was able to call for back up.

The woman is facing a citation for a parking violation but was then arrested on charges of aggravated assault, hit and run, and obstruction.

As a Rockdale County DUI Lawyer, I will cover the offense of obstruction in today's post so as to provide some more clarity as to what constitutes the offense.

Obstruction in Georgia

O.C.G.A. §16-10-24 outlines the crime of obstruction in Georgia. Obstruction can be charged as a felony or as a misdemeanor depending on the nature of the offense.

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

Acts of resisting arrest are often seen alongside DUI in Georgia. If you or a loved one has been arrested for obstruction or DUI or any other related offenses, call a Georgia DUI Attorney for help with your case today.