Police in DeKalb County recently arrested a man who allegedly threw a dog from the Interstate 20 overpass. This incident occurred near the end of June. This individual has since been charged with felony animal cruelty. The consequences attached to a felony level conviction can be quite severe. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to help this man navigate the Georgia criminal court system and seek the best outcome possible.
On July 3, it was reported that a 48-year-old male was witnessed throwing a dog off the I-20 overpass near Wesley Chapel Road. Several individuals who saw the event detained the gentleman at the scene until police arrived. He was promptly arrested and transported to the Dekalb County Jail. Bond was set in his case at $5,000. It is unclear if he was able to make bail.
Sadly, the animal suffered critical injuries in the event and ultimately died. Investigators say that the dog was wearing a rabies tag that had an address located in the Cummings area printed on it. As of the last report, authorities are not sure if the accused was the owner of the dog. The investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
The state of Georgia takes animal cruelty very seriously. The penalties associated with a felony conviction include incarceration and fines — among others. It is certainly enough to turn a person’s life upside down. A criminal defense attorney may be able to help the accused during this difficult time in his life by reviewing his case, questioning any evidence offered and looking for any holes in the prosecution’s case. In doing all of the above, it may be possible to work toward a dismissal of charges or at least a charge and penalty reduction.