NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Obstructing the Administration of Law Defense Attorneys

Facing Charges for Obstructing the Administration of Law in Hunterdon County, NJ
If you’re facing charges related to obstructing the administration of law or governmental functions in Hunterdon County, know that you’re not alone. Despite not being the most common assault-related charge in this area, these cases are still filed every year, with Flemington, Clinton, Readington and Raritan Township being among the busiest municipalities for such charges. In case you’ve been recently arrested or served with a complaint due to violating N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1 (the statute on obstructing administration of law or other governmental function), seeking guidance from an experienced attorney is highly recommended.
Understanding Charges for Obstructing the Administration of Law in Hunterdon County

OBSTRUCTING ADMINISTRATION OF LAW OFFENSE LEVELS: Ordinarily, obstructing administration of law or government function can lead to either a disorderly persons offense or a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. Under this statute, if an act of obstruction involves preventing an investigation, arrest, or detection of an indictable crime (a first-to-fourth-degree crime), then it convicts as a fourth degree offense. On the other hand, lesser obstructions amount to a disorderly persons offense.

PURPOSEFUL OBSTRUCTION: According to this New Jersey statute, there is no offense for obstruction unless it comes about through purposeful action. This means that the person committing obstruction must have done so intentionally and not by accident.

UNLAWFUL ACTS TO PREVENT FUNCTION OF PUBLIC SERVANT: Moreover, no New Jersey obstruction offense happens until the actor tries to avoid compliance with governmental functions through flight; intimidation; force; violence; physical interference/obstacle; any independently unlawful behavior intended to prevent official functions.

NO OFFENSE FOR VERBAL ABUSE: In Bethlehem and other jurisdictions around Union Township or Lebanon, verbal abuse does not constitute obstructing administration of law.

Possible Penalties for Obstructing the Administration of Law Charges
What might happen if you get convicted of the charges stemming from obstruction? The penalties you will face depend on whether the charge results in a disorderly persons offense or fourth-degree crime.

PENALTIES FOR THE CHARGES:
• Fines up to $1,000 for disorderly persons offenses; fines up to $10,000 apply to fourth-degree crimes.
• A 50-dollar Violent Crimes Compensation Assessment and 75-dollar Safe Neighborhood Fund Assessment applies to both categories.
• Court costs reach $33.00
• A sentence of six months in county jail can be imposed for a Disorderly Persons Offense and cases involving Fourth Degree offenses, up to eighteen months behind bars may apply.
• Probation term
• Revocation of Driving Privileges

Immediate Help- Reach out to Spodek Law Group

The county courthouse in Flemington hears all indictable obstruction charges as fourth-degree crimes. Meanwhile, the municipal court handles many disorderly persons charges under NJS 2C:29-1. These factors combined make this jurisdiction feature prominently among annual totals of obstructing administration violations. Seeking help from our offices at Spodek Law Group is highly recommended – call us for a free consultation today.