Interfering With Police
Charges Of Interfering With Police Deserve Close Scrutiny
Sometimes police bring charges that don’t fit the facts or cover what was just a fishing expedition. Often, their favorite way to claim that they caught a fish during an otherwise wasted expedition is to charge someone with interfering with police. This is not to say people don’t interfere with police during an investigation. Suspects commonly run from police when told to stop (classic interfering with police) or lie to them outright. But there are times when interfering with police isn’t interfering with anything at all. And sometimes, an alleged lie is not a lie.
Refusal to provide your name to police when a bona fide investigation is not ongoing is not a violation of Connecticut law. Connecticut is not a “stop and identify” state. Similarly, as long as you are not obstructing or preventing police from performing their duties, you cannot be prevented from video-recording police.
In Connecticut, interfering with police allegations also arise when there is some allegedly deliberate physical contact between you and police that doesn’t rise to the level of assault on public safety personnel, otherwise known as assault on police. However, even what might be a low-level or subtle physical struggle with police doesn’t have to be charged as interfering with police.
If you find yourself facing charges, you need a skilled lawyer who can analyze evidence, reports, and body-worn camera video to challenge interfering with police allegations. In Connecticut, the easy choice for criminal defense representation is The Maddox Law Firm, LLC
Charging And Sentencing Guidelines For Those Accused Of Interfering With Police
Connecticut interfering with police charges are usually leveled as a Class A misdemeanor but can be a Class D felony if serious physical injury or death results from the alleged interfering.
According to Connecticut General Statutes §53a-167a, obstructing, hindering, endangering, or resisting a peace officer or firefighter while performing their duties is considered interfering with police. Charges and related sentences may include:
- Class A Misdemeanor – Maximum one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000
- Class D Felony – Maximum five years in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000
The decision to charge someone with interfering with police is, like many criminal allegations, a matter of police officer discretion. But once that charge is brought, most prosecutors will go to some length to support interfering allegations and protect the police who bring them. You need an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer who knows the difference between facts and speculation and can get your interfering with police charge dismissed when the evidence just isn’t there.
Let Us Take A Closer Look At Your Charges And Help You Fight Back
Our attorneys at The Maddox Law Firm will safeguard you from being at the mercy of law enforcement and the state. To discuss your criminal charges and learn about your legal options, contact us to schedule an initial consultation. Just call (203) 822-6610 or submit an online contact form.
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