Obstructing the Administration of Law

Point Pleasant NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Attorney

Police are quick to file a charge for obstructing the administration of law against someone who attempts to stymie an investigation or arrest. The classic example of conduct resulting in this offense is providing a false identity to police or providing them with false information to avoid being arrested. If you were charged with obstructing the administration of law in Brick, Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights or another municipality in Ocean County, contacting an accomplished attorney is extremely important. A lawyer who is skilled in defending this offense like the former prosecutors at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you avoid a criminal record and the penalties that apply to obstructing the administration of law. We have been appearing within the court system on charges like this for over a century between us and one of our attorneys even served as prosecutor in approximately 15 Ocean County municipalities.

Charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law in Ocean County

The New Jersey Criminal Code creates a specific offense for those who obstruct or impair a police officer or public servant from performing their duties or administering the law. This charge is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. A discussion of some of the more important aspects of this law follow.

Conduct That Triggers This Offense. This law is designed to target conduct that “obstructs, impairs or perverts” the efforts of police and prosecutors or to prevent their efforts by “flight, intimidation, force, violence or physical interference or obstacle”. Given the nature of the conduct that can result in an obstructing the administration of law offense, it is not uncommon for companion charges to be simple assault and/or resisting arrest.

State of Mind Required. In order to obtain any conviction under this section the state must prove that the defendant acted purposely or intentionally.

Grading of Offense. Obstructing the administration of law is a fourth degree crime where the accused obstructs the detection or investigation of a crime or obstructs the prosecution of a person for a crime (e.g. first degree, second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime). In all other instances, obstruction is a disorderly persons offense.

Penalties for Obstructing. Fourth degree obstructing the administration of law carries a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 18 months. A disorderly persons offense for obstructing the administration of law results in a potential fine of $1,000 and up to 6 months in the county jail.

Diversion Programs. An individual with no prior criminal record or history of diversion may apply for either Conditional Dismissal or Pretrial Intervention to avoid prosecution for obstructing the administration of law.

Lakewood NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Lawyer

It should now be evident to you that obstructing the administration of law in Lakewood or elsewhere in New Jersey has the potential to have a substantial negative impact your life. Hiring a lawyer that is both skilled in obstruction defense and highly familiar with the court system can prove invaluable in avoid the risk of a poor result. The attorneys that make up the eight member criminal team at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall clearly possess these attributes. To speak to an attorney about everything that led to your charge in Toms River, Beachwood, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Plumsted or another Ocean County municipality, contact our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500. Lawyers are available 24/7 to address your concerns and consultations are always free.

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Seaside Heights NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Attorney