Burlington County Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer
An obstruction of the administration of law charge in Burlington County, NJ, is a serious offense that can carry significant penalties. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1, this crime involves interfering with a public servant’s lawful duties. If you are facing these charges in the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage, you need a strong defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Obstruction of the Administration of Law in New Jersey?
The crime of obstruction of the administration of law is defined under New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. It occurs when a person purposely obstructs, impairs, or perverts the administration of law or other governmental function, or prevents or attempts to prevent a public servant from performing an official function, by means of intimidation, force, violence, physical interference, or obstacle. This is distinct from but related to resisting arrest, which is covered under a different subsection of the same statute.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand how prosecutors in Burlington County approach these charges and build defenses to protect your rights and future.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site) – The full text of the obstruction statute.
- Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage – Official court website for procedures and information.
Local Court Process for Obstruction Charges in Burlington County
Charges for obstruction of the administration of law in Burlington County are typically heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, located in Mount Holly. The process is formal and can be demanding. An obstruction of the administration of law lawyer in Burlington County must be familiar with local court rules and prosecutor filing habits.
- Arraignment and Plea: You will be formally advised of the charges and enter a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest.
- Pre-Trial Conferences: Your attorney will meet with the Assistant Prosecutor to review evidence and discuss potential resolutions.
- Discovery and Investigation: Your defense team will obtain all police reports, witness statements, and body-camera footage to challenge the state’s case.
- Motion Practice: Filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if your rights were violated during the incident.
- Trial or Disposition: If a favorable plea cannot be reached, your case will proceed to a bench or jury trial in the Burlington County Courthouse.
- Sentencing (if applicable): If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on statutory guidelines and any mitigating factors presented by your lawyer.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in New Jersey
In Burlington County, obstruction of the administration of law is generally a disorderly persons offense, but it can be elevated to a fourth-degree crime under certain aggravating circumstances, carrying more severe penalties.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Collateral Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction (Base) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months in county jail | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible probation, community service |
| Obstruction (Aggravated) | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months in state prison | Up to $10,000 | Felony-level record, longer probation, greater impact on employment and housing |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
An experienced obstruction of justice defense lawyer in Burlington County can work to have charges reduced or dismissed, potentially avoiding these penalties. The specific outcome depends on the facts of your case and the strength of the defense presented.
Our Experience with Your Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team brings a former prosecutor’s insight to building a defense. We scrutinize the arrest details to determine if the public servant was acting within their lawful duties and if your actions truly constituted a purposeful obstruction. We have a track record of challenging the evidence in these cases.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific local case results for obstruction are not listed, our firm-wide approach to defending against charges of interfering with law enforcement is grounded in aggressive evidence review and motion practice. We examine police conduct, witness credibility, and the precise definition of “obstruction” as applied to your situation. Our goal is to protect your record and your future.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Obstruction Defense Lawyer
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Burlington County Courthouse in Mount Holly. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, I-295, and Route 130. If you need an obstruction of the administration of law lawyer near Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, or Moorestown, we are here to help.
Neighborhoods Served: Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Burlington City, Cinnaminson, Evesham, Medford, Bordentown, Pemberton, Willingboro, Marlton, and throughout Burlington County.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 200-6648
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between obstruction of the administration of law and resisting arrest in NJ?
It depends. Both are under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. Resisting arrest specifically involves preventing an arrest. Obstruction is broader, covering interference with any official government function. A resisting arrest defense lawyer in Burlington County can explain if your actions fit one charge more than the other, which affects defense strategy.
Can I go to jail for obstruction of the administration of law?
Yes. A disorderly persons obstruction charge can result in up to 6 months in the Burlington County Jail. If charged as a fourth-degree crime, you face up to 18 months in state prison. An experienced lawyer can fight to avoid jail time.
Is obstruction of the administration of law a felony in New Jersey?
It depends on the degree. A disorderly persons offense is not a felony (known as an indictable crime in NJ). However, a fourth-degree obstruction charge is an indictable crime, which is equivalent to a felony in other states and carries more serious long-term consequences.
What are common defenses to an obstruction charge?
Common defenses include arguing the public servant was not acting lawfully, your actions were not purposeful obstruction, the interference was minimal, or your constitutional rights were violated during the incident. An obstruction of the administration of law lawyer Burlington County will identify the best defense for your case.
Should I talk to the police if they accuse me of obstruction?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used to prove you acted “purposely.” Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with an attorney immediately. This protects your defense.
Related Legal Help in Burlington County
If you are facing related charges, our firm can also assist with: Business Law, Contract Disputes, and Federal Criminal Defense. For more information on criminal defense in New Jersey, visit our state hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding obstruction of the administration of law charges.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Indictable charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division; disorderly-persons offenses are heard in the municipal court where the charge was filed. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer Bergen · Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer Hudson · Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer Monmouth.