Road Rage Quickly Evolves into a Shooting in Georgia

Authorities in Coweta County believe after investigating the scene of a shooting in a shopping center in Newnan that the shooting might have been instigated by an incident of road rage. 

According to reports, the road rage was believed to be between the occupants of two different vehicles. Two different couples appear to have gotten into an altercation which resulted in one individual getting shot. 

So far, no one involved in the altercation has been identified. And as of today, the victim's condition was unknown.

“At this time no charges have been filed as this is an active, ongoing investigation,” Coweta County Sheriff's Office.  

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I am quite familiar with traffic violations escalating to more serious offenses. Today, I will outline what is believed to be the root of this shooting.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

By law, aggressive driving in Georgia is described as driving “with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42 [Illegal Passing in Georgia], 40-6-48 [Improper Lane Change in Georgia], 40-6-49 [Following Too Closely in Georgia], 40-6-123 [Failing to Signal in Georgia], 40-6-184 [Driving Too Slowly in Georgia], 40-6-312 [Lane Usage by Motorcycles in Georgia], or 40-6-390 [Reckless Driving in Georgia] with such intent.”

If convicted of aggressive driving, a driver will be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. A high and aggravated misdemeanor in Georgia can include a penalty of a fine up to $5,000 or by jail time for up to 12 months, or both.  Being classified as a high and aggravated misdemeanor means that the amount of earned time allowance will be limited to no more than 4 days per month for jail sentences. Also, an aggressive driving conviction will add 6 points to a Georgia Driver's License.

Practice Note

Aggressive driving is somewhat an epidemic in Georgia. We have various large interstates as well as one of the biggest cities in the country. 

Much like DUI in Georgia, aggressive driving is not just a traffic citation - this is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today.