Minnesota Obstructing Justice Lawyer
In Minnesota, it is against the law to obstruct or interfere with a police officer who is lawfully discharging their duty. These charges can also result from interference, under specific circumstances, with fire fighters or revenue agents. This charge can range from a simple misdemeanor to a felony depending on the type of behavior and degree of resistance.
This broadly written law can be the subject of abuse by law enforcement. Even though the courts have made it clear that mere verbal criticism is not enough, police and municipal prosecutors still charge citizens with this offense for minor verbal acts. In cases of police brutality, this charge will often be filed in the hope that a citizen will take a quick plea, eliminating any ability to get compensation later.
Were you unfairly targeted by the police? Were you defending yourself against police brutality? These cases can involve frightening, even terrifying circumstances. John C. Conard has handled numerous obstructing justice cases, as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. When you are charged with obstructing justice, you need an experienced lawyer. You need John C. Conard.
609.50 OBSTRUCTING LEGAL PROCESS, ARREST, OR FIREFIGHTING.
Subdivision 1.Crime.
Whoever intentionally does any of the following may be sentenced as provided in subdivision 2:
(1) obstructs, hinders, or prevents the lawful execution of any legal process, civil or criminal, or apprehension of another on a charge or conviction of a criminal offense;
(2) obstructs, resists, or interferes with a peace officer while the officer is engaged in the performance of official duties;
(3) interferes with or obstructs a firefighter while the firefighter is engaged in the performance of official duties;
(4) interferes with or obstructs a member of an ambulance service personnel crew, as defined in section 144E.001, subdivision 3a, who is providing, or attempting to provide, emergency care; or
(5) by force or threat of force endeavors to obstruct any employee of the Department of Revenue while the employee is lawfully engaged in the performance of official duties for the purpose of deterring or interfering with the performance of those duties.
Subd. 2.Penalty.
A person convicted of violating subdivision 1 may be sentenced as follows:
(1) if (i) the person knew or had reason to know that the act created a risk of death, substantial bodily harm, or serious property damage; or (ii) the act caused death, substantial bodily harm, or serious property damage; to imprisonment for not more than five years or to payment of a fine of not more than $10,000, or both;
(2) if the act was accompanied by force or violence or the threat thereof, and is not otherwise covered by clause (1), to imprisonment for not more than one year or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both; or
(3) in other cases, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
