One of Atlanta’s First Alleged Protestors From May Has Been Granted Bond

Atlanta Police

Atlanta, Ga. - According to authorities out of Atlanta, a man that is now facing several different charges relating to the first night of the civil rights protests has finally been granted bond this afternoon.

He was allegedly seen standing on a burning police car outside of the CNN Center on May 29th. He is currently facing charges of:

• Arson
• Inciting a Riot
• Criminal Damage to Property
• Reckless Conduct
• And Obstruction of Law Enforcement.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, one of these offenses is seen particularly often alongside charges for DUI in Atlanta. That offense would be obstruction of law enforcement. In today's post, I will focus on the law behind this offense as well as the penalties faced if convicted.

Obstruction of Law Enforcement

O.C.G.A. §16-10-24 is the statute that outlines the offense of obstruction of law enforcement. Various 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

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