Obstruction Defense Lawyer in Orange County, New York
Obstructing governmental administration in Orange County is a Class A misdemeanor under New York Penal Law § 195.05, carrying up to 1 year in jail. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4 documented results in Orange County. An experienced obstruction defense lawyer Orange County can challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent and physical interference.
New York Obstruction of Justice Law
Obstructing governmental administration, often called obstruction of justice, is defined under New York Penal Law § 195.05. The statute makes it a crime to intentionally obstruct, impair, or prevent a public servant from performing an official function by means of intimidation, physical force, interference, or any independently unlawful act. This charge is common alongside resisting arrest. The law requires the prosecution to prove you acted with intent and that your actions actually hindered the official’s duty.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County Criminal Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute text, see New York Penal Law § 195.05 (official New York State Senate). For local court procedures, visit the Orange County Supreme Court website.
Defending Obstruction Charges in Orange County
In Orange County Criminal Court, prosecutors must prove you intentionally interfered with a specific official act. A common defense is lack of intent—showing your actions were accidental or you were unaware the person was a public servant. Another defense is that the official was not engaged in a lawful duty at the time. For example, if an arrest was unlawful, resisting it may not constitute obstruction. The 2020 bail reform means most obstruction cases result in release without cash bail.
- Secure representation immediately after arrest or receiving a desk appearance ticket.
- Your attorney will obtain and review all police reports and body-worn camera footage.
- A defense strategy is built, often focusing on challenging the intent element or the lawfulness of the underlying police action.
- Your lawyer will negotiate with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, often seeking an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) for first-time offenses.
- If a favorable plea cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare for a bench trial in Orange County Criminal Court.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in Orange County
In Orange County, obstructing governmental administration is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and probation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing Governmental Administration (PEN § 195.05) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record, possible probation, immigration consequences for non-citizens. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Orange County Courts
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Orange County, we have documented results for obstruction and related charges. Our deep familiarity with Orange County Criminal Court procedures and local prosecutors allows us to build effective defenses focused on the specific elements the state must prove.
Case Results for Obstruction and Related Charges
In Orange County, our documented results for criminal defense include 4 cases with 3 dismissed/not guilty outcomes and 1 reduced/amended charge, representing a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our approach for obstruction charges involves meticulously reviewing police conduct and the defendant’s intent. A skilled resisting arrest defense lawyer Orange County from our team can often find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as a lack of evidence showing intentional physical interference.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Orange County Obstruction Defense Lawyer Near You
Our New York location serves clients at Orange County courts. We represent individuals from Goshen, Newburgh, Middletown, Monroe, Warwick, Chester, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Kiryas Joel, and Tuxedo. If you need an obstruction defense lawyer Orange County near the Orange County Supreme Court in Goshen, we are accessible via I-87, I-84, and I-287.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: +1-838-292-0003
By appointment only.
FAQs: Obstruction of Justice Charges in Orange County
What is obstructing governmental administration in New York?
It is a Class A misdemeanor under NY Penal Law § 195.05. It involves intentionally preventing a public servant from performing an official function through intimidation, force, interference, or an unlawful act.
Can I go to jail for obstruction in Orange County?
Yes. A conviction for this Class A misdemeanor can result in up to 1 year in the Orange County Jail. However, first-time offenders are often eligible for alternatives like an ACD, which leads to dismissal.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Resisting arrest (PL § 205.30) specifically involves preventing an arrest. Obstruction is broader, covering interference with any official function. They are often charged together. An experienced obstruction of justice defense lawyer Orange County can argue they are multiplicious if based on the same act.
Do I need a lawyer for an obstruction charge?
Yes. An obstruction conviction creates a permanent criminal record. A lawyer can challenge the intent element, negotiate for a dismissal via ACD, or seek a violation-level disposition to avoid a misdemeanor record.
What is an ACD for obstruction?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a common outcome for first-time obstruction charges in Orange County. The case is adjourned for 6-12 months and then automatically dismissed if you have no new arrests. The record can be sealed.
What if the police were acting unlawfully?
If the public servant was not performing a lawful duty, your interference may not be criminal. A resisting arrest defense lawyer Orange County can file a motion to dismiss based on the unlawfulness of the underlying police action, which can defeat both obstruction and resisting charges.
For more information, see our New York Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like New York County (Manhattan) and Nassau County. For other legal needs in Orange County, consider our family law or immigration services.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.