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Obstructing the Administration of Law

Point Pleasant NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Attorney

Police are quick to file a charge for obstructing the administration of law against someone who attempts to stymie an investigation or arrest. The classic example of conduct resulting in this offense is providing a false identity to police or providing them with false information to avoid being arrested. If you were charged with obstructing the administration of law in Brick, Surf City, Harvey Cedars, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights or another municipality in Ocean County, contacting an accomplished attorney is extremely important. A lawyer who is skilled in defending this offense like the former prosecutors at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you avoid a criminal record and the penalties that apply to obstructing the administration of law. We have been appearing within the court system on charges like this for over a century between us and one of our attorneys even served as prosecutor in approximately 15 Ocean County municipalities.

Charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law in Ocean County

The New Jersey Criminal Code creates a specific offense for those who obstruct or impair a police officer or public servant from performing their duties or administering the law. This charge is set forth at N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. A discussion of some of the more important aspects of this law follow.

Conduct That Triggers This Offense. This law is designed to target conduct that "obstructs, impairs or perverts" the efforts of police and prosecutors or to prevent their efforts by "flight, intimidation, force, violence or physical interference or obstacle". Given the nature of the conduct that can result in an obstructing the administration of law offense, it is not uncommon for companion charges to be simple assault and/or resisting arrest

State of Mind Required. In order to obtain any conviction under this section the state must prove that the defendant acted purposely or intentionally.

Grading of Offense. Obstructing the administration of law is a fourth degree crime where the accused obstructs the detection or investigation of a crime or obstructs the prosecution of a person for a crime (e.g. first degree, second degree, third degree or fourth degree crime). In all other instances, obstruction is a disorderly persons offense.

Penalties for Obstructing. Fourth degree obstructing the administration of law carries a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 18 months. A disorderly persons offense for obstructing the administration of law results in a potential fine of $1,000 and up to 6 months in the county jail.

Diversion Programs. An individual with no prior criminal record or history of diversion may apply for either Conditional Dismissal or Pretrial Intervention to avoid prosecution for obstructing the administration of law.

Lakewood NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Lawyer

It should now be evident to you that obstructing the administration of law in Lakewood or elsewhere in New Jersey has the potential to have a substantial negative impact your life. Hiring a lawyer that is both skilled in obstruction defense and highly familiar with the court system can prove invaluable in avoid the risk of a poor result. The attorneys that make up the eight member criminal team at Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall clearly possess these attributes. To speak to an attorney about everything that led to your charge in Toms River, Beachwood, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Plumsted or another Ocean County municipality, contact our Toms River Office at (732) 286-6500. Lawyers are available 24/7 to address your concerns and consultations are always free.

Additional Obstructing Resources on This Site

Seaside Heights NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Attorney

What Clients Say About Our Ocean County Criminal Defense Attorneys
Exemplary attorneys. I hired them for a DUI and an expungement. I was happy with the results for both cases. Special thank you to Samera for always answering all of my calls and questions JC
★★★★★
I'm 45 years old and this was my first time ever getting in trouble with the law. I was in need of a lawyer and after careful research, I called John F. Marshall Attorneys and was introduced to Abe Basch. Abe was professional, supportive and very thorough. I had three charges against me, one civil and two criminal. I was so scared and expressed that to Abe. The first day I had to go to court, I was an absolute nervous wreck but Abe prepped me and kept my anxiety levels down by going over the process of the courts thoroughly with me. He fought to get my charges dismissed and won all three cases (two court appearances). Abe is positive, confident and he ensured I felt the same way. I'd like to say thank you to Abe for working so diligently on my cases to get them dismissed. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my chest! I highly recommend Abe for any charges you may be faced with. Rose C.
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I was out of state on a family emergency and I had to retain council asap as a boy friend was sitting in county jail with the new no bail point system and Mr marshal and staff made me feel Soo much better knowing that my detained loved one was in such great hands! He spoke to me as I was outta state kept in touch allowed me to work out payment due to the situation and just all out the difference in my bfs voice alone with all the medical problems and such he was going threw sounded better than he had since the first day he was there and was Soo happy that Mr marshal went that day retained to see him in the jail and have him ready for court which wasn't supposed to be till Friday but again Mr marshall and team got it so we can get him now on wendsday and all I have to say is if your looking for a real down to earth lawyer that will work with you and help in anyway possible and I can't for get the team at the office TONI and everyone else thank you again I'd give 100 stars if I could! Nicole J.
★★★★★
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