A traffic stop for a broken tail light in Gainesville resulted in gunshots fired by Hall County deputies.
According to reports, the driver pulled over for local authorities. But shortly thereafter during the traffic stop, he allegedly put his vehicle in reverse and purposefully struck one of the officer's patrol cars before fleeing the scene.
Not every story that involves obstruction or fighting against an officer is as dramatic as the story above. As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the law behind the offense of obstruction of a police officer in today's post.
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
Resisting arrest or hindering an officer during an investigation is a common offense when it comes to investigations and arrests for DUI in Georgia. Call our offices today if you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI or any related offense. We can help you with your case now. A Georgia DUI Attorney is your best defense.
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