Have You Been Charged With Refusal to Obey Official Request at a Fire or Other Emergency in Georgia?

Fire and emergency services are requested dozens of times every day to assist people in need. Therefore, when someone fails to comply with a request made by an emergency medical professional, it takes them away from helping someone that is genuinely in need. To demonstrate the severity, Georgia makes this action a crime. If you have been charged with refusing to obey an official request at a fire or other emergency in Georgia, contact Lawson and Berry and speak with one of our Georgia Attorneys.

Georgia Law

O.C.G.A. §16-10-30 states that a person is guilty of violating the statue when a person in a gathering refuses to obey the reasonable official request or order of a peace officer or firefighter to move, for the purpose of promoting the public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a fire or other emergency.

The terms “reasonable official request” and “emergency” are words of common understanding that are sufficiently definite to inform a person of common intelligence as to when that person is violating the law. Sabel v. State, 250 Ga. 640, 300 S.E. 2d 663 (1983).

Penalty for Violating O.C.G.A. §16-10-30

A person convicted of refusing to obey an official request at a fire or other emergency in Georgia will be charged with a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor offenses carry a fine up to $1,000 or jail time of up to one year, or both in Georgia.

Contact Us

When charged with a crime, it can be difficult to discern how to defend yourself, and the criminal justice system is confusing. Don't take a chance by representing yourself! Let the Criminal Defense Team at Lawson and Berry assist with your case today. Contact us for a free case evaluation.