Ewing, NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Attorneys
Charged With Obstruction in Ewing Township
Conduct that obstructs, hinders, or otherwise impairs government functions in Ewing or another Mercer County municipality can expose you to a criminal charge for obstructing the administration of justice. This offense certainly has the potential to become significantly more complicated than it might initially appear so it is definitely in your best interests to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with obstructing the administration of justice. The attorneys at the Marshall Law Firm have a unique perspective as former prosecutors with decades of experience defending charges in Ewing Township New Jersey. We have the tools to craft an effective defense strategy so that you avoid a conviction for this offense. To speak to a knowledge attorney at our firm, call us at 609–683–8102 for a free consultation.
Obstructing Offense in Ewing New Jersey
Obstructing the administration of law is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. An individual commits this offense when he or 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.
A violation of 2C:29-1 is a fourth degree crime if it involves obstruction of an investigation, prosecution or detection for an indictable crime. It is a disorderly persons offense to commit obstructing the administration of law under any other circumstance.
A fourth degree crime for obstructing the administration of law falls under the jurisdiction of the Mercer County Superior Court. The penalties that may be imposed in this forum include a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in state prison. A disorderly persons offense for obstructing falls within the authority of the Ewing Township Municipal Court. You face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in the county jail if convicted of obstructing the administration of law as a disorderly persons offense.
Administration of Law. The administration of the law can be any attempt to inhibit an arrest or investigation. This can include knowingly providing police with wrong information or a false identity.
Administration of Justice. An obstruction can also occur during the criminal justice process. This scenario can include providing incorrect witness testimony in court or resisting arrest. Obstruction of the administration of justice is defined as any attempt made through flight, violent or physical interference, intimidation, force, or obstacle to inhibit a government function.
Hindering. Hindering and obstruction are synonyms. Both refer to the act of intentionally preventing action from being taken by delaying it or stopping its progress completely. In cases where the action is taken to prevent or delay a criminal investigation or the prosecution of an individual, the alleged offender faces a fourth degree crime charge. Otherwise, he or she faces a disorderly persons offense.
Flight. Flight is defined as an attempt to elude law enforcement or other agents of the justice system. This can include leaving the immediate area or the country.
Run. Literally running away from the police, either on foot or in a vehicle, is an act of obstructing the administration of the law.
Interference. Interference is defined as an act made in an attempt to drive law enforcement down a wrong path in their investigation or otherwise derail the justice process.
Intimidation. Making a threat to law enforcement or another agent of the criminal justice system in an attempt to end an investigation or prevent conviction is an obstructive act that can lead to a criminal charge.
Obstacle. An obstruction can involve the use of an obstacle, such as a false piece of evidence.
Ewing Township Obstructing the Administration of Law Lawyer
The Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall includes a highly experienced defense team of attorneys who have defended countless obstruction charges. Our efforts have led to many success stories in Ewing and other area communities. There is little doubt that a lawyer with the skill to thoroughly protect you is here at our firm. If you would like to take advantage of a free consultation with one of our lawyers, contact us at 609–683–8102. An attorney is available any time of day or night to assist you.