Franklin Borough Obstruction Lawyers
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County, New Jersey
Obstructing the Administration of Law
Obstructing the administration of law or other governmental function, often referred to as “obstruction,” is illegal in New Jersey. The bottom line is that when any governmental official is executing official duties, people are expected to cooperate and not to interfere. For example, cursing at the police and refusing to leave the scene of a crime while an officer is arresting other people or conducting a motor vehicle stop is considered obstructing the officer’s ability to performing official duties. Similarly, fleeing from investigatory detention or refusing to provide a police officer with a driver’s license and registration during a motor vehicle stop is construed to be an affirmative effort to thwart the officer’s function in enforcing motor vehicle regulations or criminal laws.
In any circumstance of obstructing the administration of law in Warren or Sussex County, the charges will be handled in either municipal court in the town where the offense occurred or the Superior Court in Warren or Sussex County, depending on the severity of the offense. In any event, the experienced obstruction defense attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm are ready to help. Our team of highly skilled criminal defense lawyers regularly represent clients charged with obstruction and other criminal offenses in Phillipsburg, Franklin Borough, Sparta, Hackettstown, and throughout Warren County and Sussex County. Contact our offices today at 973-755-1695 to discuss your case, learn more about your charges, and find out how we can help defend you against the allegations and minimize the impact that the charges will have on your life. We provide consultations free of charge and are available 24/7 to assist you.
Obstructing Defense Lawyers in Sparta NJ
According to N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1(a), a person commits the offense of obstructing the administration of law if he purposely obstructs, impairs or perverts the administration of law or other governmental function or prevents or attempts to prevent a public servant from lawfully performing an official function by means of flight, intimidation, force, violence, or physical interference or obstacle, or by means of any independently unlawful act. This section does not apply to failure to perform a legal duty other than an official duty, or any other means of avoiding compliance with law without affirmative interference with governmental functions. Additionally, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1(b), obstructing the administration of law or other governmental function is a crime of the fourth degree if the actor obstructs the detection or investigation of a crime or the prosecution of a person for a crime, otherwise it is a disorderly persons offense.
The penalties for obstruction in New Jersey will depend on whether or not the offense is charged as a fourth degree crime or a disorderly persons offense. Under the New Jersey Criminal Code, the penalties for a fourth degree crime include imprisonment of up to eighteen months and a fine of $10,000 and the penalties for a disorderly persons offense include imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000.
Contact Vernon Obstruction Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you are charged with obstructing administration of law or other governmental function in Sussex County or Warren County, contact the obstruction defense attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm to learn more about the potential consequences and what can be done to fight the charges. One of our highly knowledgeable lawyers will provide you with a free consultation. Simply call 973-755-1695 for immediate assistance.
