NJ Obstructing the Administration of Justice Lawyers

Being charged with obstructing justice in New Jersey can be scary. But with the right lawyer on your side, you can get through this. In this article, we'll break down what "obstructing the administration of law" means in NJ, penalties you may face, and how a knowledgeable lawyer can help defend your rights.

What is "Obstructing the Administration of Law" in New Jersey?

This charge falls under NJ statute 2C:29-1. Basically, it means interfering with police or other officials who are carrying out their lawful duties. Some examples of obstruction include:

• Lying to the police during an investigation
• Destroying or hiding evidence
• Trying to persuade a witness to lie or withhold information
• Refusing to comply with a lawful order from an officer

Obstruction charges often come up when someone is being investigated for another crime. They may try to throw off law enforcement by interfering with the case. But obstructing justice is a separate offense in itself.

How Serious are the Penalties?

Obstruction charges can either be a disorderly persons offense or a more serious indictable offense (similar to a felony) depending on the circumstances. Possible penalties include:

• Disorderly Persons - Up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $1,000
• 4th Degree Crime - Up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000
• 3rd Degree Crime - 3-5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000

The prosecutor has discretion on how to charge obstruction cases based on the severity of the conduct. More "active" interference like destroying evidence may be charged more harshly than simply lying to an officer.

How Can a Lawyer Defend Against Obstruction Charges?

An experienced criminal defense lawyer can often get obstruction charges reduced or even dismissed. Some strategies they may use include:

• Challenging whether there was really "purposeful" obstruction - in some cases, actions may have been misinterpreted
• Questioning the legality of law enforcement conduct
• Negotiating to get charges downgraded to a lesser offense
• Arguing for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) to avoid a criminal record

An attorney can also advocate for minimizing penalties if a conviction does occur. This may involve presenting mitigating circumstances and highlighting positive aspects of the defendant's background.

Why Hire an Experienced Lawyer?

Obstruction charges should not be taken lightly, as they can carry severe consequences. The code is complex, and it's not always clear what constitutes obstruction - or whether law enforcement acted properly to begin with. A skilled lawyer understands the nuances of this area of law. They know how prosecutors typically handle these cases, and what strategies give defendants the best chance of success. An experienced attorney can protect your rights at every stage, maximizing the odds of a favorable outcome. Some top obstruction defense lawyers in New Jersey include:

• Adam Rosenblum - Founder of Rosenblum Law, with offices across NJ. Over 20 years experience exclusively in criminal defense.
• Allan Marain - Senior partner at Marain Law Firm. Past president of NJ Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
• John Zarych - Founding partner of Law Offices of John J. Zarych. Former prosecutor - knows how the state builds these cases.

Take a look at reviews and case results when choosing your lawyer. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation and options.

Don't Go It Alone - Get an Experienced Lawyer Fighting For You

Dealing with obstruction charges in New Jersey can be overwhelming. But the stakes are high, and you need strong legal guidance to come out with the best possible resolution. Connect with a top criminal defense lawyer in your area for trusted advice and advocacy. An experienced attorney can thoroughly evaluate your case, explain your rights, and build the strongest defense to protect your future.