West Windsor Obstructing the Administration of Law Lawyer

During the immediate aftermath of a crime or a related investigation in West Windsor, there are several ways the police and other public officials go about collecting information in order to make sure justice is served. It can be a fine line between lack of cooperation and obstruction when an individual becomes the target of a law enforcement. This conflict can result in charges for obstructing the administration of the law or government function. If you find yourself facing an offense for obstructing the administration of the law it is in your best interest to contact a skilled criminal attorney.

Here at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, we can offer you representation by a staff of lawyers with over 100 years of experience, including significant time serving as prosecutors. We have defended countless individuals charged with obstructing over the last two decades and are prepared to do what it will take to avert a conviction. If you would like to speak to an attorney on our team about the particulars of what led to your arrest, do not hesitate to contact us anytime 24/7. A lawyer is available immediately at 609–683–8102 to assist you.

Obstructing the Administration of Law Offense in West Windsor New Jersey

Individuals living in West Windsor Township and surrounding areas can find themselves charged with obstructing the administration of the law in a variety of circumstances. N.J.S.A.2C:29-1 is drafted broadly to capture a wide variety of conduct that interferes with government officials or law enforcement performing official duties. A person commits this offense if he/she:

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.

Material Elements of this Offense. There are three elements of proof that must be established by the prosecutor in West Windsor Municipal Court in order to convict you of obstruction or hindering including: (1) conduct to obstruct, impair or pervert, prevent or attempt to prevent a public servant from performing an official function; (2) purpose on the part of the accused to obstruct or prevent; and (3) use of intimidation, force, violence, physical interference or some other independently unlawful act by the accused.

The penalties for obstructing the administration of the law depend on which grade of violation you are facing. Typically, obstruction/hindering is a disorderly persons offense that results in up to 6 months in the Mercer County Jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. A fourth degree crime under 2C:29-1 carries up to 18 months in prison and a fine that can reach $10,000. An obstructing offense escalates to a fourth degree crime when “the actor obstructs the detection or investigation of a crime or the prosecution of a person for a crime”.

West Windsor NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Defense Attorney

Once you are charged with obstructing the administration of the law in West Windsor Township or any other part of New Jersey it is important that you begin taken steps to prepare for your defense immediately. Giving a skilled defense attorney an opportunity to research your case and help you build a strong defense is the best way to avoid a negative outcome. The criminal defense team at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall includes savvy criminal lawyers with decades of experience and a long track history of success. For an immediate free consultation with a lawyer at our firm, call 609–683–8102.