What is Obstructing a Police Officer in Georgia?

In yesterday's post, I outlined the law behind disorderly conduct in Georgia. In today's post, as a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline another commonly charged offense - obstruction of a police officer. Some offenses I refer to as catchall offenses - meaning that the offense itself is not specific. Offenses such as disorderly conduct and obstruction  tend to cover an array of conduct. 

Let's take a closer look at obstruction in today's post. 

Obstruction of a Police Officer in Georgia

Obstruction of a Police Officer in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §16-10-24. The statute breaks down the offense into a misdemeanor and a felony. That statute is as follows:

(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.

As you can see from the law, the only real difference between misdemeanor and felony obstruction is if a person resists or hinders a law enforcement by offering or doing violence to the officer. 

Practice Note

The penalties for obstruction are much more severe than the penalties for a disorderly conduct charge. Both charges, however, are commonly charged alongside DUI in Georgia. 

As a Georgia DUI Attorney, I am familiar with DUI Law as well as commonly associated charges. If you or a loved one has been accused of DUI in Georgia, contact our offices today.