Pemberton Township Obstructing Offense Lawyer
There are any number of ways someone can get charged with obstructing the administration of law in Burlington. The related law is drafted broadly to encompass just about any method of interference you could imagine. Any conduct that is alleged to intentionally impede operation of government functions, typically those of police, can result in a N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1 charge. As the municipality with the second highest rate of crime in Burlington County, Pemberton has more than a few obstructing the administration of law complaints. Whether you are facing a disorderly persons offense in municipal court or a fourth degree crime at the Superior Court in Mount Holly, our attorneys have the knowledge you need. Our staff includes at least 4 former prosecutors and a team of lawyers with well over 100 combined years in practice. To speak to a skilled obstructing defense lawyer, call our Mt. Laurel firm at 856-234-8900. The consultation is without obligation or charge.
Burlington City Obstructing Charge
If you are arrested for obstruction in Burlington City, there are a few things you should know. The first you probably want to know is what the state must establish in order to convict you under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. There are three elements and they are: (1) that you obstructed or impaired the administration of law or prevented or attempted to prevent a public servant from performing his official duties; (2) your actions were with the purpose to obstruct or prevent; and (3) you employed intimidation, force, violence, physical interference or another unlawful act to accomplish your objective. The most common element in issue in obstructing cases is the state of mind of the accused as you cannot be convicted where the interference is an unintended consequence of an individual’s actions. Common examples of obstruction include providing false information regarding an individual’s identity or attempting to swallow or flush drugs.
Fourth Degree Obstructing at the Superior Court, Mt. Holly NJ
An obstruction offense is usually a disorderly persons offense that is left to the jurisdiction of a municipal court like those in Willingboro, Riverside, Burlington Township and Cinnaminson. The violation is enhanced to a fourth degree indictable crime where the conduct is to obstruct detection or investigation of a crime (i.e. a first degree, second degree, third degree or fourth degree). Fourth degree obstructing the administration of law charges can only be dealt with at the Burlington County Superior Court in Mt. Holly.
Penalties If You Are Convicted Of Obstructing in Evesham
A municipal court obstructing offense obviously carries less severe penalties than a fourth degree infraction. A disorderly persons offense for obstruction can nevertheless result in up to 6 months in the Burlington County jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A fourth degree crime for obstructing justice is much more serious. A conviction can cause you to be incarcerated for as much as 18 months in a state prison and fined $10,000. Provided an individual has no prior record or had the benefit of a diversion previously, it is possible for prosecution to be avoided through the Conditional Dismissal or Pretrial Intervention programs.
Obstructing Attorneys in Willingboro Township NJ
Police in Willingboro tend to get irritated when someone attempts to obstruct their efforts. There is frequently a level of frustration that, while often over-exaggerated, tend to complicate efforts to amicably revolve a charge brought under 2C:29-1. This is why it can be especially important to hire not only an attorney but one with the skills to deal with the police effectively. We have this capability based on years of experience as both defense lawyers and prosecutors. Call us to review the facts of your case and to learn what we can do to reach a favorable resolution. Our Mount Laurel office can be reached 24/7 at 856-234-8900.
