Suspected Dealership Burglary Scheme Makes Way to North Fulton County

A surveillance video at Palmer Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Roswell (North Fulton County) showed six people in their parking lot early Monday morning. The six proceeded to break into the dealership. 

Five of the men managed to get away, but one of the officers used a taser on Quindarius Clemon who was eventually arrested on charges of:

• Theft by Taking in Georgia
• Burglary in Georgia
• Obstruction in Georgia

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the offense of obstruction of a law enforcement officer in our state.

Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer in Georgia

The Georgia Code separates the offense of obstruction of a law enforcement officer in Georgia by a misdemeanor and felony version. The easiest way to explain the difference is whether or not the officer was threatened or has violence done to them.

The Georgia Code defines misdemeanor obstruction as:

When a person knowingly or willfully obstructs or hinders any law enforcement officer in the lawful discharge of his official duties. O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(a).

If convicted of misdemeanor obstruction, the penalty can be up to twelve months in jail, fines up to $1,000, or both.

The Georgia Code defines the felony obstruction as:

When a person knowingly and willfully resist, obstruct, or oppose any law enforcement officer, prison guard, correctional officer, community supervision officer, probation officer, or conservation officer in the lawful discharge of his or her official duties by offering or doing violence to the person. O.C.G.A. §16-10-24(b).

If convicted of felony obstruction, the penalty can be imprisonment of one to five years, a minimum fine of $300, community service, or anger management classes.

Practice Note

Clemon is facing the felony version of the offense, and therefore he is facing a much more severe penalty if convicted. 

Felony Punishments in Georgia should never be taken lightly. There are many different penalties that can be faced if convicted of a felony. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Georgia, contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can help you with your case.