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Current as of March 28, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
(a) A person commits the offense of obstructing governmental operations if the person:
(1) Knowingly obstructs, impairs, or hinders the performance of any governmental function;
(2) Knowingly refuses to provide information requested by an employee of a governmental agency relating to the investigation of a case brought under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., and is the physical custodian of the child in the case;
(3) Fails to submit to court-ordered scientific testing by a noninvasive procedure to determine the paternity of a child in a case brought under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 651 et seq.; or
(4) Falsely identifies himself or herself to a law enforcement officer or a code enforcement officer.
(b)(1) Obstructing governmental operations by using or threatening to use physical force is a Class A misdemeanor.
(2) A second or subsequent offense of obstructing governmental operations under subdivision (a)(4) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(3) Otherwise, obstructing governmental operations is a Class C misdemeanor.
(c) This section does not apply to:
(1) Unlawful flight by a person charged with an offense;
(2) Refusal to submit to arrest;
(3) Any means of avoiding compliance with the law not involving affirmative interference with a governmental function unless specifically set forth in this section; or
(4) Obstruction, impairment, or hindrance of what a person reasonably believes is a public servant's unlawful action.
(d)(1) As used in this section, “code enforcement officer” means an individual charged with the duty of enforcing a municipal code, municipal ordinance, or municipal regulation as defined by a municipal code, municipal ordinance, or municipal regulation.
(2) “Code enforcement officer” includes a municipal animal control officer.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Arkansas Code Title 5. Criminal Offenses § 5-54-102. Obstructing governmental operations - last updated March 28, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-5-criminal-offenses/ar-code-sect-5-54-102/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature or via Westlaw before relying on it for your legal needs.
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