Have You Been Charged With Obstructing or Hindering a Park Ranger in Georgia?
Georgia has many beautiful parks for you to enjoy, but you must enjoy them legally. Hindering a park ranger from accomplishing their job is a crime in Georgia. If you or a loved one have been charged with this offense, contact one of our Georgia Criminal Defense Attorneys today. With over 50 years of experience, we guarantee that you will receive the best representation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What Constitutes Obstructing or Hindering a Park Ranger in Georgia?
According to Georgia Code 16-10-24.4, there are two ways in which a person can violate this statute. The first way is by knowingly and willfully obstructing or hindering a park ranger in the lawful discharge of their duties.
The second way occurs when a person knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs, or opposes any park ranger in the lawful discharge of his or her official duties by offering or doing violence to the person of such park ranger.
Penalty for Obstructing or Hindering a Park Ranger in Georgia
A person convicted of knowingly and willfully obstructing or hindering a park ranger from performing their duties will be guilty of a misdemeanor. In Georgia, misdemeanor charges can carry up to $1,000 in fines or up to one year in jail, or both.
However, a person convicted of obstructing or hindering a park ranger from doing their duties by offering or doing violence will be guilty of a felony and face a prison term between one and five years. In addition, felony convictions can make it difficult to obtain housing, employment, or credit.
Defenses to Obstructing or Hindering a Park Ranger in Georgia
Innocence: Everyone makes mistakes including law enforcement officers. If the officer charged the wrong person with the crime, any evidence showing you were not at the scene, or you were not the one who committed the crime would be greatly beneficial.
Lack of Evidence: Evidence is crucial in any criminal case. The prosecution must present evidence showing you are guilty of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there is not enough evidence, then you cannot go to trial. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney would be essential in this situation to help you get the charges dropped.
Lack of Intent: A conviction for obstruction requires that the accused knowingly or willfully obstructed the park ranger. If you had no intent to obstruct or hinder the park ranger from conducting his lawful duties, then you cannot be guilty of the crime.
The Park Ranger Was Not in the Lawful Discharge of His Duties: If the park ranger was not lawfully conducting his duties, then no crime has occurred. This defense can be difficult to prove, and the best option is to hire a Georgia Obstruction Attorney to assist.
Contact Us
Because of the potential for severe punishment, it is crucial that you retain one of the premier attorneys at Lawson and Berry. Our Lawyers have over 50 combined years of experience and would be happy to help you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
