Two Officer Related Shootings Reported in Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta

Atlanta, Ga. – As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I do my best to stay current on news coming out of the City of Atlanta that involves any offenses related to DUI in Atlanta. Most people are unaware of just how many offenses are actually DUI related offenses. This can span from drug possession to resisting arrest to minor traffic violations.

Today, it was reported that a man was shot in the arm during an officer-involved shooting in the city near Jackson Street and Highland Avenue. No officers were injured, and more information is expected to be released. This is the second officer-involved shooting this week. Another took place in DeKalb County yesterday. The man in that situation was shot after allegedly pulling a knife out near an officer.

Now, I am sure you are asking yourself, “How are these possibly related to DUI?” Well, the answer is actually simple. So many offenses are commonly seen side by side with DUI – including resisting or obstructing an officer. This offense is known as obstruction of a police officer. I'll outline the law below.

Obstruction of a Police Officer

Obstruction of a police officer is a very interesting offense. This is because it fluctuates from mildly resisting arrest to actually offering or doing violence to the officer. There are two types of obstruction – misdemeanor and felony. Both are outlined below.

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

If you or a loved one has been arrested in the City of Atlanta, call our offices now. We can let you know what options are available through our firm. An Atlanta DUI Attorney is here for you today - all you have to do is call.