A person with criminal negligence preventing a law enforcement officer from executing their lawful duty may face charges in Texas. This offense is known as interference with public duties. A conviction for this crime can lead to a fine and imprisonment.
Here is what you should know about it:
Interrupting, disrupting, impeding or interfering
It’s unlawful to interrupt, disrupt, impede or otherwise interfere with a law enforcement officer when exercising an authority granted by law. If a police officer wants to arrest you based on reasonable suspicion of a crime, it’s vital to cooperate without incriminating yourself.
For instance, it’s illegal to refuse to give a peace officer your name, residence address or date of birth when they lawfully arrest you and request such information. It’s also a crime to intentionally provide the officer with false identification details. Resisting arrest by refusing to allow the police to handcuff you, running away, arguing or threatening the officer is another example of interference with public duties.
Additionally, it’s a crime to intentionally flee from a police officer or federal special investigator attempting to perform a lawful arrest or detention. Escaping custody while under a lawful arrest or detention is also an offense.
What are the grounds for interference with public duties?
To be charged with interference with public duties, you must have known the other party is a law enforcement officer – they may have identified themselves and explained the purpose of the interaction. Moreover, the act the officer is attempting to perform, be it an arrest, search or detention, must be lawful for your conduct to be considered unlawful.
If you have been charged with interference with public duties, legal guidance can help you understand your case in-depth to determine the best defense strategies.