Obstructing Official Business

Running from police lying about information and resisting arrest are common examples.

Obstructing official business. Except as otherwise provided in this division obstructing official business is a misdemeanor of the second degree. To be charged with obstructing official business you must have interfered with a public officials ability to carry out his or her lawful duties. A No person without privilege to do so and with purpose to prevent obstruct or delay the performance by a public official of any authorized act within the public officials official capacity shall do any act that hampers or impedes a public official in the performance of the public officials lawful duties.

An example would be lying to the police. However if the obstruction creates a risk of physical harm to anyone it is a fifth-degree felony punishable by up to 12 months in jail. Visit Rion Rion Rion LPA Incs blog to read more.

If a violation of this section creates a risk of physical harm to any person obstructing official business is a felony of the fifth degree. If a violation of this section creates a risk of physical harm to any person obstructing official business is a felony of the fifth degree. This is not just limited to police officers however.

In addition to criminal penalties there are secondary consequences for an obstructing official business conviction. Obstructing official business can include lying to the police or hiding someone who is fleeing the law. Obstructing official business is typically a 2nd degree misdemeanor under Ohio law.

The crime of obstructing official business occurs when an individual does something to prevent or inhibit a public officials ability to perform their job duties. Or the Armed Forces of the United States while on official business. The suspect fled the scene and got into another car.

However if the violation creates a risk of physical harm to a person obstructing official business can be charged as a 5th degree felony. A No person without privilege to do so lawful duties. These incidents are often documented on video or body cam and may not match up to police reports.