A criminal defense attorney in Broward County can explain that obstruction of justice charges are commonly charged for less serious infractions.   However, they can also be charged for more serious infractions.   A criminal defense attorney in Broward County can help individuals who are facing criminal charges of this nature.

Statutory Definition

Under Florida law, obstruction of justice charges arise when a defendant knowingly and willfully resists, obstructs or opposes a law enforcement officer when he or she is acting under the authority of law.

Types of Obstruction of Justice Charges 

Obstruction of justice charges can occur when a person gets in the way of law enforcement performing its job or gets in the way of a law enforcement officer learning about the commission of a crime or identifying a suspect.   Other types of obstruction of justice charges include:

• Resisting an officer
• Failing to appear after bail release
• Delivering tools to jail to aid the escape of inmates
• Refusing to aid law enforcement officers
• Fleeing a police officer
• Falsely impersonating a police officer
• Escaping through negligence of an officer
• Unlawfully using police communications
• Depriving the victim of a crime of medical assistance
• Injuring police animals
• Publishing the name and address of a law enforcement officer 

Legal Assistance 

If an individual is facing obstruction of justice charges, it is important that he or she contacts an experienced criminal defense attorney.   Penalties for these crimes can be serious and can impact his or her future opportunities.