Bizarre Arrest Report from North Atlanta Metro

Fulton County Government Center

Atlanta, Ga. - According to reports just outside of the City of Atlanta, a man has been arrested after resisting arrest.

What started as a drug investigation ended with a police officer being bitten on the nose. The man allegedly had attempted to run away and when police caught up to him, he bit one of the officers in the face.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I will focus today's post on a charge that is frequently seen with DUI in Atlanta - resisting arrest also known as obstruction.

Obstruction

O.C.G.A. §16-10-24 outlines the two types of obstruction in the state of Georgia. 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 is often seen alongside DUI charges. Contact our offices now if you or a loved one has been arrested.