East Windsor NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Attorneys

Obstructing government functions like the administration of justice, or attempting to do so, is a criminal offense in New Jersey. Depending on the circumstances of the case, an offense can be charged as a disorderly persons offense or a fourth degree crime. In either scenario, it is in your best interest to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend your case. The team of attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have unique qualification to defend you as former prosecutors with over a century of experience defending resisting arrest, obstructing and other charges in Mercer County, including in East Windsor. To speak to an attorney anytime 24/7 about your obstructing the administration of law offense, call 609–683–8102 for a free consultation.

Obstructing the Administration of Law Charge in East Windsor New Jersey

The offense of obstructing the administration of law is set forth of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. An individual violates this statute when he or she: (1) obstructs, impairs or perverts the administration of law or governmental function; or (2) 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. The bullet points below explain some of the important terms associated with this offense.

• Administration of Law . Attempting to block any type of governmental proceeding is an offense of obstructing the administration of law.
• Administration of Justice . When an individual derails a criminal justice proceeding, such as providing a false witness testimony during a criminal investigation, he or she may be charged with obstructing the administration of justice.
• Obstruction . Any attempt to obstruct or hinder the rightful administration of the law or justice process in New Jersey is known as “Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function.” A long list of actions are included in this definition, such as intentionally misleading law enforcement and committing violent or unlawful acts to distract police from another arrest or investigation.
• Hindering . Hindering and obstruction mean the same thing: intentional preventing action from being taken or proceeding from its current point. Resisting arrest, interfering with the criminal justice process, creating obstacles for law enforcement, and attempting to intimidate an officer or court employees into favorable treatment can all be charged as hindering the administration of the law.
• Flight . Leaving town, the state, the country, or even the scene of an incident can be deemed to be an act of flight in an attempt to elude law enforcement.
• Run . This act can be committed on foot or in a vehicle. When an individual runs from the police, he or she is obstructing the administration of law.
• Interference . When an individual attempts to impair law enforcement or the court system with an interference, he or she may be charged with obstruction of the administration of the law.
• Intimidation . It is illegal to threaten law enforcement or others involved in the legal system in an attempt to gain favorable treatment.
• Obstacle . Any object used to act as an obstacle to the justice system or administration of the law may be grounds for this type of charge.

A violation of 2C:29-1 typically results in a disorderly persons offense falling within the jurisdiction of the East Windsor Municipal Court. A conviction for this grade of obstructing carries a fine of up to $1,000 and the possibility of up to 6 months in the Mercer County Jail. Obstructing the administration of law is enhanced to a fourth degree crime fourth degree if the actor obstructs the detection, investigation or prosecution for a first degree, second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime. The penalties that may be imposed at the Mercer County Superior Court at the time of sentencing include a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison.

East Windsor Township Obstructing Defense Lawyer

The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall is comprised of former prosecutors and skilled attorneys who understand the nuances present in the criminal justice system. Our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers has been recognized for our successful record by multiple professional groups, such as the National Trial Lawyers Association and the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation with an attorney on our staff.