Piscataway Obstructing Offense Attorney
Piscataway NJ Obstructing the Administration of Law Charge
Although our attorneys handle more than their share of obstructing the administration of justice cases in Piscataway Township, we had no idea just how many of these cases were heard until reading the police blotter. While many of these charges stem from incidents at Rutgers, the township has quite a significant number of obstruction offenses outside of the university. If you or your child was arrested or received a summons from the police for obstructing the administration of law, our criminal lawyers can help. We have a defense team of 8, making our firm one of the largest criminal practices in the state. Our staff also includes several former prosecutors who are ready to battle on your behalf in Piscataway Municipal Court. Call us 24/7 at 732-562-0308 to schedule an appointment in our Piscataway Office or to speak to our attorneys in a free consultation.
Charged with Obstructing Administration of Law in Piscataway
If you have been charged with this offense, the law that will dictate whether a violation was committed is N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. This statute provides that an individual 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.
You will note several things from this language. The first thing is that you can only be convicted of violating 2C:29-1 if your actions are intended to obstruct or impair the police or other governmental agents. The second point you should know is that obstructing charges are limited to instances where the conduct obstructs governmental functions. Unless either of these circumstances exist, the Piscataway Municipal Court prosecutor cannot convict you.
A violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1 is typically a disorderly persons offense. The grade of the charge can escalate to a fourth degree crime if the obstruction involves hindering the detention, investigation, or prosecution of someone for a first, second, third or fourth degree crime. A disorderly persons offense for obstructing the administration of law carries up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Fourth degree obstructing results in a maximum sentence that includes 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Obstruction Offense Defense Lawyers in Piscataway Township
If you are facing a fourth degree obstruction offense at the Middlesex County Superior Court or a disorderly persons offense in Piscataway Municipal Court, the lawyers at our firm are equipped to help you. Our experience includes decades defending 2C:29-1 charges like the violation you have been charged with and our success rate is extremely high. To learn how we can assist you in avoiding the penalties and criminal record which can result for obstructing or hindering, call 732-562-0308 for a free consultation.