Have You Been Charged with Impersonating an Officer in Georgia?
Law enforcement officials dedicate their lives to protecting the public. Therefore, crimes that occur against public administration have severe consequences. Even if the action was an accident, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Georgia Impersonating an Officer Attorney today. Our decades of experience will make the difference in your case! We are experienced in negotiating a plea deal as well as trying your case. Contact us now for a free case evaluation.
What Does Impersonating an Officer Mean in Georgia?
O.C.G.A. §16-10-23 states that a person is guilty of impersonating an officer when they falsely hold themself out as a peace officer or other public officer or employee with intent to mislead another into believing that he is actually an officer.
Therefore, some people think that impersonating an officer only applies to police officers but the statute extends it to include all public officers or employees.
It is important to note that a person can be charged with impersonating an officer even if the victim was not misled. The state only has to show that the defendant intended to deceive the victim. Self v. State, 245 Ga. App. 270, (2000).
Georgia Case Law
In Libri v. State, a man was convicted of impersonating an officer. In that case, the accused, Paul Michael Libri, contacted a mother of a missing child and told her was an investigator with the Metro Atlanta Human Trafficking Task Force. Libri intended to mislead a police sergeant into believing he was a police officer as well. Both the mother and the sergeant believed Libri was a police officer, as he carried a gun and a badge.
During the trial, Libri argued that he never held himself out to be an officer and did not impersonate an officer. However, the Court found that the evidence of him telling the runaway's mother, telling her he used to be a police officer in Atlanta, among other things was sufficient evidence for him to be convicted of impersonating an officer. 346 Ga. App. 420, (2018).
The Penalty for Impersonating an Officer in Georgia
Impersonating an officer can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony with the consequences of a fine up to $1,000, a prison term between one and five years, or both.
Having a felony on your criminal history will have long-term effects. It can make it difficult to obtain housing, credit, or even employment. That is why your charge should be taken seriously from the very beginning. Our Georgia Impersonating an Officer Lawyers understand the consequences a conviction will have on your life and want to help minimize these effects.
Georgia Defenses to Impersonating an Officer
Lack of Intent: The accused must have the intent to mislead another. Any evidence that there was no intent would help negate the charges.
Insufficient Evidence: If there is not enough evidence demonstrating that the accused held themselves out to be an officer, then they cannot be convicted.
There are numerous Georgia Criminal Defenses we can use to defend your case. Call now to speak with one of our many impersonating an officer lawyers in Georgia. Our firm takes the time to investigate your case thoroughly and then make a plan. We do not treat every case the same as other firms do. We build your defense to match your circumstances! We will interview witnesses, visit the scene of the incident, collect police logs, and more to make sure you receive the best representation.
Contact Us Now
It is in your best interest to call a Georgia Impersonating an Officer Attorney from the very beginning! However, we are able to help you no matter what stage you are at in the criminal justice process. We will work diligently to achieve your goals in your case. Call us now for a free case evaluation.
