Obstruction

Practice Description

If you have obstructed a police investigation or any other type of government officials’ business in Atlanta, you could be facing an obstruction of justice charge. The penalties for this crime are severe, and you should not go through your impending trial alone. Reach out to an experienced obstruction attorney who will be able to defend your rights during your legal proceedings.

At Andersen, Tate & Carr, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will work with you to determine the best way to proceed with your case. We understand the implications of having an obstruction of justice charge on your record, and we will work tirelessly to try and get your charges reduced, dropped or restricted.

It’s sometimes the case that law enforcement officials believe you were obstructing their work, when in reality you were not trying to do this at all. We will review the details of your conviction and make sure your rights are protected.

Definition of Obstruction in Atlanta

According to Georgia Code § 16-10-24, a misdemeanor obstruction occurs whenever someone knowingly and willfully hinders any law enforcement officer, while the officer is trying to conduct their official duties, without using force. Examples of misdemeanor obstruction include:

Lying to a law enforcement official
Giving misleading or false information to a law enforcement official
Refusing to pull your car over for a law enforcement official

A felony obstruction occurs whenever someone willfully and knowingly hinders any law enforcement officer, while the officer is trying to conduct their official duties, with the use of force. Even if someone threatens to use force against a law enforcement officer, this will be considered a felony obstruction. Examples of felony obstruction include:

Forcefully resisting an arrest
Hitting a law enforcement official
Threatening to use force against a law enforcement official

Penalties of Obstruction in Atlanta

If you are convicted of committing a misdemeanor obstruction in Atlanta, you will be charged with a misdemeanor. You could be fined up to $1,000, could be required to do community service and could face up to one year in prison. The conviction will also be on your criminal record.

If you are convicted of committing a felony obstruction in Atlanta, you will be charged with a felony. You will be sentenced to at least one year in prison. You could be sentenced to spend up to 5 years in prison. Having a felony on your record will tarnish your reputation, will make it very hard to get gainful employment and will affect your ability to get a loan.

Contact Our Team of Experienced Atlanta Obstruction Attorneys Today

At Andersen, Tate & Carr, our knowledgeable and skilled team of obstruction attorneys have years of extensive expertise dealing with these cases, and we have been able to get many clients’ obstruction charges reduced or restricted.