What is obstruction of justice in Georgia?
In Georgia, obstruction of justice is a broad crime that encompasses many types of behavior law enforcement finds disagreeable, including: Resisting arrest. Interfering with, or hindering, police investigation or duties. Violence against a police officer.
What is the charge of obstructing justice?
Definition. 18 U.S.C. § 1503 defines “obstruction of justice” as an act that “corruptly or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede, the due administration of justice.”
What is the typical sentence for obstruction of justice?
For example, some obstruction of justice charges may carry a maximum sentence of five years and a fine. Those involving terrorism may carry a potential sentence of up to eight years imprisonment. Trying to influence a juror through written communication is punishable by up to six months imprisonment and a fine.
How bad is an obstruction charge?
Some states may punish an obstruction of justice charge as a mid level felony, which could carry a penalty of up to eight years served in a federal prison facility. Other states may charge the crime as a gross misdemeanor, which would carry a potential sentence of up to five years served in a county jail.
Is obstruction a felony in GA?
When a law enforcement officer is prevented from conducting his official duties, Georgia considers it the crime of obstruction. Obstruction can be treated as either a felony or a misdemeanor in Georgia; therefore, it is crucial to hire a Georgia Obstruction Attorney to assist in defending your case.
How do you beat obstruction of justice charge?
When someone intends to obstruct or jeopardize the course of justice, that is called obstruction of justice. Under laws in most of the countries of the world, the obstruction of justice is a criminal offence.
What is common law obstruction of justice?
Common Law Definition of Obstruction of Justice Obstruction of justice refers to the act of willfully preventing, impeding, or hindering legal or public justice. The defendant obstructed justice by impeding, obstructing, hindering, or preventing public or legal justice.
What is an example of obstructing justice?
Lying. Anyone who lies to authorities when questioned in the course of a criminal investigation commits obstruction of justice. This includes lying in written answers to interrogatories, falsifying documents, and other means of delivering false information to investigators.
Who are liable for obstruction of justice?
Obstruction of justice refers to the commission of acts penalized under Presidential Decree No. 1829 (“Penalizing Obstruction of Apprehension and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders”). Any person — whether private or public — who commits the acts enumerated below may be charged with violating PD 1829.
Is obstruction of an officer a felony in GA?
What is an obstruction charge?
A person obstructs a police officer if they hinder, resist or attempt to obstruct the officer. You may also be charged with obstructing police if you obstruct a police dog or horse under the control of a police officer while they are performing their duties.
What is the sentence for obstructing police?
Penalties for resisting arrest and obstructing a police officer. Resisting arrest and obstructing a police are both misdemeanors under California law, punishable by: Up to a year in county jail. Up to $1,000 in fines.
What is the law in Georgia for obstructing?
Justia › US Law › US Codes and Statutes › Georgia Code › 2017 Georgia Code › Title 16 – Crimes and Offenses › Chapter 10 – Offenses Against Public Administration › Article 2 – Obstruction of Public Administration and Related Offenses › § 16-10-24. Obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers; penalty
What’s the penalty for obstruction of a police officer in Georgia?
According to Georgia criminal code § 16-10-24, most types of obstruction are classified as misdemeanor crimes. Those convicted face a minimum $300 fine (up to $1,000), up to one year in prison, or both. Violence against an officer constitutes a felony offense, and defendants found guilty of this charge face a minimum of one year in prison.
When is a defendant charged with obstruction of Justice?
When defendant is charged with obstruction, the basic question is whether s/he knowingly and willfully obstruct or hinder the law enforcement officers’ discharge of their duties. The statute does not specify nor enumerate particular actions that constitute obstruction or hindrance.
Is it a misdemeanor to obstruct a law enforcement officer?
Obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, a person who knowingly and willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties is guilty of a misdemeanor.