Piscataway Obstruction Offense Defense Lawyers
The criminal offense of Obstructing the Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. There are a broad range of fact patterns that potentially fall within this charge and the statute even goes as far as to list several types of conduct that constitute a violation. If you are facing a obstruction charge in Piscataway, Woodbridge, Plainsboro or another court in Middlesex County, we are ready to assist you in avoiding a conviction. Our team of defense lawyers have decades of experience appearing in municipal courts throughout the region and have even prosecuted in approximately 25 in the state. An attorney who is highly competent in the defense of obstruction charges is ready to provide a free consultation. Contact our Piscataway Office at 732-392-7202 to speak to a lawyer immediately.
New Jersey Obstructing the Administration of Law – N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1
As previously stated, an obstruction the administration of law offense arises out of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. The exact terms of the charge are as follows:
A person commits an offense 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.
You will note that this law uses similar terminology to the resisting arrest law with primary difference being that 2C:29-1 does not require an arrest.
Elements That The Prosecutor Must Prove Under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. For the State to convict a person of Obstructing the Administration of Law, it must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant: (1) purposely obstructed the administration of law or a governmental function; or (2) prevented or attempted to prevent a governmental agent from performing their duties; and (3) accomplished elements (1) or (2) through flight, intimidation, force, violence, physical interference or obstacle, or by other unlawful means.
Grading of the Offense of Obstruction. Obstructing the Administration of Law is ordinarily a disorderly persons offense. The offense is enhanced to a Fourth Degree Crime, however, when the accused obstructs the detention or investigation of a crime or the prosecution of a person for a crime.
Penalties In New Jersey for Obstructing the Administration of Law. If you are convicted of fourth degree obstructing the administration of law, you face up to eighteen (18) months in jail and a fine that can reach $10,000.00. The disorderly persons grade of obstruction carries up to up to six (6) months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
Woodbridge Obstructing Charge Attorneys
Our firm represents individuals charged with obstruction throughout Middlesex County including in East Brunswick, Edison, New Brunswick, Sayreville and South Brunswick. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to successfully defend you as former prosecutors with over 100 years in practice combined. Don’t let a stupid mistake effect your life long-term by taking a 2C:29-1 charge too lightly. Give a lawyer at our firm a call now. We can be reached any time of day by contacting our Woodbridge Office at 732-751-4458. Initial consultations are always without charge.
