DeKalb County, Ga - A story that made headlines in Georgia last week was one of a jail inmate at the DeKalb County Jail who escaped custody while at a local hospital.
The inmate was originally arrested on charges of kidnapping and aggravated assault in Georgia. The details of his initial arrest have not been released. However, while in jail this past week, he complained of serious medical symptoms. He requested help.
Officers complied as a result of the public health risk currently faced by Americans. Reports of serious outbreaks of the coronavirus in Georgia jails and prisons have also made recent headlines. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital.
The timeline is fuzzy, but at some point, the inmate allegedly slipped out of his handcuffs and escaped from the hospital.
A week later, he was arrested at a gas station off of Moreland Avenue in Downtown Atlanta last night.
He is now facing another felony charge - escape. The crime of escape is not often recognized as it rarely happens these days. However, as a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I believe it to be important for every Georgian to understand the legal elements behind each criminal offense. Today, I will cover the law behind the offense of escape in the state of Georgia.
Escape in Georgia
Escape in Georgia is outlined in O.C.G.A. §16-10-52 of the Georgia Code as:
A person commits the offense of escape when he or she: having been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or of the violation of a municipal ordinance, intentionally escapes from lawful custody or from any place of lawful confinement.
This offense also applies to actions such as being in lawful custody and intentionally escaping such custody. Also the law covers the intentional failure to return as instructed to lawful custody or confinement operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections after being released on the condition of returning. In this case, however, there will be a grace period of eight hours.
The crime of escape is classified as a felony in the state of Georgia. Georgia Felony Penalties have lifelong consequences. With an escape conviction, a person is facing up to five years of prison time.
Practice Note
If you or someone close to you is facing a felony charge, call our offices now. It is so important to have the proper legal defense team on your side. Call us today.
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