Is it Illegal to Refuse to Obey a Police Officer?
In Virginia, it is a class 2 misdemeanor to refuse to obey or neglect a “conservator of the peace.” (See Section 18.2-464). This is not to say that a conservator can give arbitrary orders; for a criminal charge, the conservator must have given the order after observing a “breach of the peace.” Second, the order given must be to bring the perpetrator before the conservator. Thus, this law is actually very limited. If you have questions regarding your case, call your Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer for a local assessment. The law can be tricky, which is why you want a lawyer on your side; to ensure the prosecution proves all elements of the crime. For instance, in the above “conservator example,” if the scenario involved a sheriff or police officer, the statute at issue would be Section 18.2-463(3). Such details are often overlooked by people who attempt to represent themselves. But by understanding the case and the law as it applies to it, you and your local Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer can obtain the most positive results.
Is it a Crime to Cross “Police Lines?”
Yes. In Virginia, if there is a barricade or police line clearly marked, a person without authorization may be found guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor. In addition, a person who remains within the parameters of an area that is a crime scene (or otherwise off limits to the public), they too may be guilty. (See Section 18.2-414.2. In Virginia, there is a somewhat odd statute, but it serves an important role. It is a class 1 misdemeanor to violate any guideline or declaration that is issued while a “declared electric energy emergency” is taking place. (See. Section 56-586.1)
Is it a Crime to Hide Things from Police?
Resisting or obstructing the execution of a legal process is in fact a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. (Section 18.2-409). The term “legal process” may refer to many things. For example, if a sheriff is attempting to execute a levy on some property, and a person acts in concert with another to obstruct (or prevent) the seizure, those persons can be charged under this law. If you have been charged with obstruction or any other crime, your local Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer may be willing to hear your side of the story at a consultation. Although crimes like obstruction, refusal to obey, and others may seem insignificant, they can carry with them hefty fines and other serious consequences. Thus, it is wise to have an experienced Virginia Beach Criminal Lawyer on your side.