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Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

The crime of assault varies from state to state (and under federal law), but is generally defined as intentionally putting another person in reasonable apprehension or fear of an imminent (immediate) harmful or offensive contact. The crime of assault may be committed even if there is no physical contact, as the criminal physical contact constitutes the separate crime of battery. In many states assaulting a police officer or peace officer who is performing official duties (such as making a lawful arrest) is a more serious offense—sometimes a felony.

In Georgia, assault is defined under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) §16-5-20 as an act that either attempts to commit a violent injury to another person or commits an act that places another person in reasonable apprehension of immediately receiving a violent injury. This means that even without physical contact, a person can be charged with assault if their actions cause someone to fear that they are about to be harmed. The separate crime of battery, covered under O.C.G.A. §16-5-23, involves actual physical contact. Assaulting a law enforcement officer or peace officer in Georgia is indeed considered a more serious offense. According to O.C.G.A. §16-5-21, aggravated assault, which includes assaulting a public safety officer engaged in their official duties, is a felony and carries stiffer penalties, including potential imprisonment and fines.

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Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Georgia State Code

Georgia State Code

Criminal charges

assault on a police officer

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