Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ
An obstruction of the administration of law lawyer Bergen County is essential if you are accused of interfering with a government function or official. In New Jersey, these charges are serious and can lead to significant penalties. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Sris understands how these cases are built and can challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
What Is Obstruction of the Administration of Law in New Jersey?
Obstruction of the administration of law in New Jersey is a criminal offense defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1. The statute makes it illegal to purposely obstruct, impair, or pervert the administration of law or other governmental function, or to prevent a public servant from performing an official function, by means of intimidation, force, violence, physical interference, or obstacle. This is a broad charge that can apply to a wide range of actions, from giving false information to an officer to physically blocking an investigation.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling criminal matters, including obstruction charges. We know that an accusation does not equal guilt, and we work to protect your rights from the initial investigation through trial.
Official Legal Resources
- N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1 (official New Jersey statutes)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage
Defending Against Obstruction Charges in Bergen County
In Bergen County, obstruction cases are prosecuted in the Superior Court, Law Division. A key local procedural fact is that prosecutors must prove you acted with a specific purpose to obstruct. Our defense often focuses on challenging whether your actions were truly purposeful or merely misunderstood. The court’s mandatory Early Settlement Panel can be a critical point for negotiation.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact us as early as possible after an arrest or summons. We review the police reports and your account of events.
- Evidence Analysis: We scrutinize the evidence for weaknesses, such as lack of intent, officer misconduct, or procedural errors in the investigation.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiations: Before formal charges are filed in Superior Court, we may engage with the prosecutor to seek a dismissal or reduction.
- Case Management & Discovery: If indicted, we file motions, conduct depositions, and gather evidence to build your defense.
- Trial or Settlement: We prepare for trial while exploring resolutions through plea negotiations or the Early Settlement Panel to achieve a favorable outcome.
Potential Penalties for Obstruction in NJ
In Bergen County, obstruction of the administration of law is typically a disorderly persons offense, but it can be elevated to a fourth-degree crime if the interference is facilitated by force or violence, or creates a risk of public inconvenience.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstruction (Standard) | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months in county jail | Up to $1,000 | Criminal record, possible probation |
| Obstruction with Force/Violence | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months in state prison | Up to $10,000 | Felony record, longer probation term |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm’s founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor who uses his insight into how the state builds cases to defend clients. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 case results firm-wide, we have a deep understanding of New Jersey’s criminal justice system. We approach each obstruction case with a focus on the specific facts and the intent required under the law.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While we maintain a strong record of favorable outcomes, every case is unique. Our approach is to meticulously prepare, leaving no stone unturned in the defense of your rights. We have successfully defended clients against a wide array of charges by challenging evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and, when necessary, presenting compelling cases at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Obstruction Defense Lawyers
If you need an obstruction of the administration of law lawyer Bergen County or an obstruction of justice defense lawyer Bergen County, our firm is ready to help. We also provide defense for related charges like resisting arrest defense lawyer Bergen County matters.
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) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. We provide 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only. We serve communities throughout Bergen County including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is obstruction of the administration of law a felony in NJ?
It depends. Standard obstruction is a disorderly persons offense (similar to a misdemeanor). However, if the obstruction is committed by force, violence, or creates a risk of public inconvenience, it becomes a fourth-degree crime, which is an indictable offense (felony).
Can I be charged with obstruction just for arguing with a police officer?
No, not for mere argument. The prosecution must prove you purposely obstructed an official function. Verbal disagreement alone typically does not meet this standard. However, if your actions cross into physical interference or providing false information, charges may follow.
What’s the difference between obstruction and resisting arrest?
Obstruction (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-1) involves interfering with any government function. Resisting arrest (N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2) is a specific type of obstruction that involves preventing an officer from effecting a lawful arrest. You can be charged with both for the same incident.
What are common defenses to an obstruction charge?
Common defenses include lack of purposeful intent, mistaken identity, that the officer was not engaged in an official function, or that your conduct was protected (e.g., lawful protest). An attorney can identify the best defense based on the facts.
Should I talk to the police if I’m under investigation for obstruction?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak with an attorney immediately.
Internal Links: For more information, see our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Atlantic County and with related matters such as federal criminal defense in Bergen County.
Page Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current advice regarding obstruction of the administration of law charges in Bergen County, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Your case in Bergen 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 Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, 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 Bergen 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: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer Hudson · Obstruction of the Administration of Law Lawyer Monmouth.