Under Florida law, obstruction of justice refers to any action that makes it difficult or impossible for law enforcement or the courts to complete their duty. Some of the most commonly charged obstruction of justice charges in Florida can include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to Appear
- Perjury
- Resisting Arrest
- Contempt of Court
- Threatening Jurors
- Providing False Identifying Information
- Escaping Custody
Gainesville Obstruction of Justice Attorney
Florida’s courts heavily punishes those that it sees as attempting to subvert the judicial system. These cases are treated with severity, with many offenses in the category prosecuted as felonies or high misdemeanors.
Reach out to the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 to schedule a free consultation. Attorney Galigani and his legal team accept clients throughout the greater Alachua County area including Gainesville, High Springs, Alachua, Archer, La Crosse, and Waldo.
Obstruction of Justice Information Center
- Obstruction of Justice Crimes in Gainesville
- Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Florida
- Additional Resources
- Hire an Obstruction of Justice Defense Attorney in Gainesville, Florida
Obstruction of Justice Crimes in Gainesville
The category of crimes that constitute obstruction of justice is fairly large. The following crimes are considered to impede the judicial or law enforcement process:
Resisting by offering violence – Fla. Stat. § 843.01 – Threatening to harm, or actually harming a protected individual such as a police officer, bailiff, judge or other such person is a felony. This includes a police officer’s dog or horse.
Resisting officer without violence to his or her person – Fla. Stat. § 843.02 – Resisting arrest without attacking or threatening to harm a protected individual.
Unlawful possession of a concealed handcuff key – Fla. Stat. § 843.021 – Like lockpicks, handcuff keys are situationally illegal. Hiding a handcuff key on your person in the case that you are arrested in illegal.
Depriving officer of means of protection or communication – Fla. Stat. § 843.025 – Stealing an officer’s walkie-talkie, truncheon, firearm or taser is illegal.
Obstruction by disguised person – Fla. Stat. § 843.03 – Disguising oneself while obstructing justice adds an additional level to your obstruction charge.
Neglect or refusal to aid peace officers – Fla. Stat. § 843.06 – It is your obligation as a citizen to assist peace officers. This may include refusing to help catch a suspect, refusing to suppress a suspect, and more.
False personation – Fla. Stat. § 843.08 – Impersonating a police officer, bailiff, or misidentifying oneself to a peace officer is illegal.
Escape through voluntary action of officer – Fla. Stat. § 843.09 – There are multiple statutes that regulate escapes from custody, including as a voluntary action of the arresting officer or by negligence.
Failure of defendant on bail to appear – Fla. Stat. § 843.15 – Failing to appear in court (AKA “skipping bail”) is a common charge, and is punishable by either a first-degree or third-degree felony.
Publishing name and address of law enforcement officer – Fla. Stat. § 843.17 – Releasing the name of law enforcement officials, also known as doxing, is illegal. Doxing is considered targeted harassment and an incitement to violence.
Depriving crime victim of medical care – Fla. Stat. § 843.21 – Florida has very robust Stand Your Ground protections. However, even if someone breaks into your home, you have an obligation to help them if they end up injured as a result.
Traveling across county lines with intent to commit a burglary – Fla. Stat. § 843.22 – Significant travel is an indication that you have likely put a large amount of planning into the crime. The state takes this seriously and punishes criminals aggressively.
Tampering with an electronic monitoring device – Fla. Stat. § 843.23 – Removing an ankle monitor or an ignition interlock device is considered obstruction of justice.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Florida
The penalties for obstructing justice are the same as those for misdemeanor and felony offenses in Florida. Notably, these charges are likely in addition to another existing charge.
| Florida Criminal Penalty Chart | ||
| Level of Offense | Maximum Jail Time | Maximum Fine |
| 2nd Degree Misdemeanor | 60 days in jail | $500 |
| 1st Degree Misdemeanor | 1 year in jail | $1,000 |
| 3rd Degree Felony | 5 years in prison | $5,000 |
| 2nd Degree Felony | 15 years in prison | $10,000 |
| 1st Degree Felony | 30 years in prison | $10,000 |
| Life Felony | Life in prison | $15,000 |
| Capital Felony | Death Sentence | — |
Additional Resources
Florida Statutes – Browse the state of Florida’s statutes to see the exact wording of each offense under the category “obstructing justice.”
Traffic Citations and Failing to Appear – One of the most common infractions after receiving a ticket is failing to appear in court. Not paying the ticket and subsequently failing to appear will result in a traffic warrant, additional fines and a potential arrest.
Hire an Obstruction of Justice Defense Attorney in Gainesville, Florida
If you or a loved one have been charged with obstruction of justice, including failing to appear, perjury, or resisting arrest, you need to contact a strong criminal defense attorney.
Reach out to the Galigani Law Firm today at (352) 375-0812 to schedule a free consultation. Attorney Galigani and his legal team accept clients throughout the greater Alachua County area including Gainesville, High Springs, Alachua, Archer, La Crosse, and Waldo.
