Suspect in Hall County Arrested on More Charges Including Resisting Arrest

According to reports out of Hall County, a murder suspect has now been charged with committing more crimes. The male suspect was indicted on more charges of terroristic threats and obstruction of an officer.

This is an extreme example of obstruction, however, as a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I handle cases involving both obstruction and DUI in Georgia frequently. In today's post, I will expand on the law behind the offense of obstruction in Georgia so as to clarify the many different behaviors that the offense actually encompasses.

Obstruction in Georgia

Obstruction in Georgia is defined in the Georgia Code as: misdemeanor obstruction and felony obstruction.

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

Obstruction and other DUI related crimes are taken seriously by authorities in the state of Georgia. If you have been arrested - call us now.