By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher
What Is Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer?
Have you been arrested for DUI? Were you found in possession of drugs? Did you resist arrest or help someone else do so? If you’ve been in these or similar situations, you might now face a criminal obstruction charge. But what does it mean to obstruct a law enforcement officer, and how should you handle these charges?
The Basics of Obstruction Charges
Obstruction charges can vary widely depending on federal and state laws. In Georgia, obstruction of a law enforcement officer is a broad category that encompasses any act proven to interfere knowingly and willfully with the investigation or prosecution of a crime. Acts that can lead to obstruction charges include:
· Resisting arrest
· Tampering with evidence
· Lying to officers
· Threatening a law enforcement officer
· Refusing lawful orders
· Interfering with someone else’s arrest, such as hiding a suspect
· Warning someone about an upcoming subpoena
You might be surprised to learn that these charges aren’t limited to interactions with police officers. In Georgia, you can also face obstruction charges for impeding parole supervisors, judges, probation officers, conservation rangers, or prison guards.
What Are the Consequences?
An obstruction charge is serious and can carry steep penalties depending on the circumstances. While many obstruction charges result in misdemeanor penalties, certain cases—such as those involving physical harm to an officer—can escalate to felonies. Potential penalties include:
· Jail time ranging from months to decades
· Significant fines
· A lasting criminal record that impacts your reputation
Steps to Take if You Are Charged
If you’ve been charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer, your next steps are critical:
1. Remain Calm and Cooperative: Avoid further actions that could worsen your situation.
2. Document Everything: Write down all details about the incident while they are fresh in your memory.
3. Contact an Experienced Attorney: The sooner you get legal representation, the stronger your defense will be.
Don’t underestimate the seriousness of an obstruction charge. These cases require a strategic and proactive legal approach.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every criminal charge holds potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible criminal defense available. Nearly all the attorneys at The Blitch Law Firm are former Assistant District Attorneys, so our unique insight on how the prosecution approaches cases equips us with the ability to see the case from all sides. If you, a family member, or a close friend faces criminal charges, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our creative defense strategies with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this site is offered solely for informational purposes and might not represent the current law in your jurisdiction. None of the details provided here should be interpreted as legal advice from The Blitch Law Firm or from the individual writer. Additionally, it is not meant to replace professional legal advice. Readers should not base their actions or decisions to abstain from actions solely on the information found in or available through this site. Instead, they should seek tailored legal or other expert counsel regarding their specific situation from an attorney or other professional authorized to practice in the reader’s state, nation, or other relevant licensing area.