The Crime

Obstruction of Justice is a serious offense that can damage your record and your reputation. In Tennessee, a person may be convicted of the crime of Obstruction of Justice if the state prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the person:

1. Intentionally prevented or obstructed;
2. Anyone known to the person to be a law enforcement officer;
3. Or anyone acting in a law enforcement officer’s presence and at the officer’s direction;
4. From effecting a stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search of any person, including the defendant;
5. By using force against the law enforcement officer or another.

If you have been charged with the crime of Obstruction of Justice, you should seek help from the Knoxville criminal defense attorneys at the Oberman & Rice Law Firm.

[Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-602]

The Penalties

Under Tennessee law, the crime of Obstruction of Justice is a Class B Misdemeanor and may result in some or all of the following consequences:

1. A sentence of up to 6 months in prison;
2. A probationary period;
3. A fine of up to $500;
4. Court costs.

However, if the defendant used a deadly weapon to resist the stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search, then the crime is elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor and may result in some or all of the following consequences:

1. A sentence of up to 11 months, 29 days in prison;
2. A probationary period;
3. A fine of up to $2,500;
4. Court costs.

[Source: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-16-602]

Why Hire An Attorney Immediately?

It is important to act quickly in order to gather and preserve favorable evidence. Key evidence (faces, dates, events, and conversations) fades from memory over time. Certain witnesses need to be interviewed as soon as possible. Key evidence (faces, dates, events, and conversations) fades from memory over time. Also, video recordings and other evidence may be destroyed. Therefore, it is critical to begin an investigation as soon as possible to ensure valuable evidence is not lost. Success or failure in any criminal case may be determined in the decisions of the defendant and his or her Tennessee Criminal Attorney in only a few hours or days after an arrest is made.

Contact Us Today

If you or someone you know has recently received an obstruction of justice charge, contact the Oberman & Rice Law Firm today so that we can begin preparing a defense for your case. Submit your information for a free case evaluation from our Knoxville OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE attorneys or call our office at 865-249-7200.