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Obstructing Governmental Administration in the second degree is classified as a class A misdemeanor under § 205.30 of the New York Penal Law. If convicted, a person can face a jail sentence of up to one year in prison.
The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intentionally obstructed, impaired or perverted the administration of law or other government function (usually it’s a police function) or prevented or attempted to prevent a public servant (it’s often a police officer) from performing an official function by means of intimidation, physical force or interference.
When I was a police officer, I saw this charge often used and with the enormous growth of smart phones, individuals are being arrested for obstructing governmental administration (OGA) more. It’s not uncommon for police officers to charge an individual with resisting arrest in addition to OGA.
Getting in the way of an officer who is trying to arrest someone else isn’t the only way this charge can arise. If you have been charged with OGA, it’s highly recommended that you immediately gather with a criminal defense attorney who can explain your options further.
Your should consult a criminal defense lawyer who can closely analyze the evidence, carefully inspect the police report and build a powerful defense. Call Attorney Kyce Siddiqi at (646) 930-4488 and get the intelligent and proactive representation that you seek.