NRS 197.190 is the Nevada law that makes it a crime to obstruct a public officer. A violation of this statute is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to six months in jail.
1. What is a crime under NRS 197.190?
Under NRS 197.190, a person can be arrested for “obstructing a public officer” by either:
- refusing or neglecting to give information to a public officer when you are legally mandated to and have been given notice to,
- deliberately making a false, misleading, or exaggerated statement to a public officer, or
- deliberately hindering a public officer from carrying out their official duties.1
Note that a “public officer” constitutes any Nevada state or local government employee. Some of the professions these includes are:
- police officers,
- senators,
- council members, and
- judges.2
An example of obstructing a public officer is taunting a cop while he/she is trying to arrest someone else.
2. Can a defendant raise a legal defense?
Yes. Typical defenses to violating NRS 197.190 are that:
- the defendant acted legally, or
- the state cannot produce sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
3. What are the penalties for obstructing a public officer?
It is a misdemeanor to obstruct a public officer in Nevada.
The penalties include up to:
- six months in jail, and/or
- $1,000 in fines.3
Read more information on the Nevada crime of obstructing a public officer.
Legal References:
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- NRS 197.190.
- See same.
- See same.
