Interference with Public Duties in Texas: What is the law, what are the legal consequences, and what you should do?
What is the law for an Interference with Public Duties charge?
Under Texas law, a person commits the crime of Interference with Public Duties if they act with “criminal negligence” to interrupt, disrupt, impede, or otherwise interfere with most public servants when they are trying to carry out their duties.
One common instance when officers make this charge is when a third-person interferes with the officer because they are trying to arrest someone they know or love. This can occur after a traffic stop, during an encounter following a family violence 911 call, when someone’s children are being questioned and the parent does not understand why, or any other situation where a third-person might become upset on behalf of the person being investigated or arrested.
Although the examples I listed above involve police officers, this charge also applies to interfering with most other public servants who are in the process of carrying out their duties such as a firefighter, paramedic, dog-catcher, health inspector … etc.
Note that merely verbally interfering with a public servant is NOT itself sufficient to justify an arrest for Interference with Public Duties.
What are the consequences?
Interference with Public Duties is a Class B Misdemeanor in Texas, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 180 days in the county jail and up to a $2,000 fine.
What to do if you are charged with Interference of Public Duties in Texas.
If you or a loved one is charged with Interference with Public Duties, contact Carter Criminal Defense for a free consultation. We will discuss your case, your options, and the best way to move forward with your case. Call us today!