Matthew Dorry, the Former Prosecutor of Holmdel, And Other Accomplished Criminal Attorneys At Our Law Firm Are Ready To Assist You
An offense that police in Holmdel charge much more often than you might expect is Obstructing the Administration of Justice under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. This offense can arise in any number of instances but is filed most frequently when someone tries to hide, flee or run from police, or destroys/eats drugs upon being approached by a Holmdel police officer or a NJ State Trooper. If you were arrested for obstruction under these circumstances or any other, a lawyer at Marshall Criminal Defense is well suited to successfully defend you. Our Holmdel NJ Criminal Attorneys include the former prosecutor of Holmdel Township and a team that has been representing individuals like you for over 200 years between us. For a free initial consultation with an attorney with the know how you need, call our Holmdel New Jersey Office at (732) 737-8487.
Obstructing Charge in Holmdel Municipal Court
N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1 sets forth those circumstances under which an individual may be convicted of obstruction (a.k.a. “hindering”) in Holmdel Municipal Court. This law renders it illegal to obstruct or impair the administration of law by engaging in flight, intimidation, force, violence, physical interference, obstacle or any other illegal act. You will note that lack of cooperation is not one of the bases for an obstructing offense. An individual should not, therefore, be subject to arrest for simply refusing to provide information (e.g. name, date of birth, etc.). Intentionally providing inaccurate information (e.g. fictitious name) in an effort to avoid apprehension is, however, a whole never matter. The affirmative act of misinforming police take it out of a situation of silence or being uncooperative in terms of supplying information, and into the realm of obstruction pursuant to 2C:29-1.
Penalties for a Holmdel Obstruction Charge
Typically, a charge of obstructing is a disorderly persons offense. The violation is enhanced to a fourth degree crime, however, where the accused obstructs for the purpose of avoiding detection, investigation or prosecution for an indictable felony (i.e. first, second, third or fourth degree crime). A conviction for the disorderly persons variety of obstructing results in a fine as high as $1,000 and county jail of up to 6 months. A fourth degree obstructing conviction carries a fine of up to $10,000 and state prison term of 18 months.
Holmdel NJ Obstructing Lawyers
A minor lapse in judgment resulting in you running from police, eating drugs, or giving a false name, should not be something that has disastrous consequences and it likely will not if you secure a skilled attorney. Our attorneys have a long track record of favorable outcomes in obstructing cases and are ready to utilize their knowledge on your behalf. Do not be foolish and make the error made by too many — pleading guilty or trying to battle the prosecutor on your own. The lawyers at Marshall Criminal Defense can help you and initial consultations are free. Call us without delay.
