Metro Atlanta Woman Sentenced to 25 Years For Shooting at Two Different Officers

A woman in Hall County has been found guilty and convicted of shooting at Gainesville police officers last year. She was sentenced to 25 years in prison. According to reports, she fired at two officers at a Burger King on Athens Street in November 2017. She was convicted of aggravated assault on a peace officer.

Many serious crimes occur in the Metro Atlanta Area, and as an Atlanta Criminal Lawyer, I will outline the offense of aggravated assault in Georgia as it differs if the assault was made on a peace officer.

Aggravated Assault in Georgia

According to O.C.G.A. §16-5-21, a person commits the offense of aggravated assault in Georgia when he or she assaults:

• With intent to murder, to rape, or to rob;
• With a deadly weapon or with any object, device, or instrument which, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in serious bodily injury;
• With any object, device, or instrument which, when used offensively against a person, is likely to or actually does result in strangulation; or
• Without legal justification by discharging a firearm from within a motor vehicle toward a person or persons.

The penalty if convicted of aggravated assault in Georgia is a prison sentence between one or twenty years. There are certain situations however, that increase the minimum sentence. 

These situations include the following. An assault upon a peace officer while conducting their official duties has a minimum of five years. An assault upon a person who is 65 years old or older has a minimum of three years. An assault against a correctional officer while they are engaged in their official duties has a minimum of five years. An assault in a public transit vehicle or station has a minimum of three years. An assault with intent to rape a child under 14 years old has a minimum of twenty-five years. 

Practice Note

There are many other situations that are outlined by law that affect the minimum sentence for an accusation of aggravated assault.

In the case of a wrongful accusation, there are plenty of Georgia Criminal Defenses that may apply. If you or a loved one has been accused of committing a crime in Georgia, contact our offices today. An Atlanta Criminal Attorney can help you with your case the moment you call.