Last updated November 2025
🚨 Charged With Obstruction in Florida? You’re Not Alone
Obstruction of justice sounds like something from a movie — but in Florida, it’s often used as a catch-all charge when someone challenges police authority, speaks up during an arrest, or doesn’t follow instructions exactly as expected.
These cases can be vague, subjective, and often overcharged. That’s why you need a sharp, experienced obstruction of justice defense attorney in Florida who knows how to push back and get charges dropped.
At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients accused of interfering with law enforcement — especially when the arrest itself was questionable. As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen how obstruction charges are used to justify bad arrests. Now I fight back.
⚖️ What Is Obstruction of Justice in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 843.01, obstruction charges may include:
Interfering with an arrest or police investigation
Giving false information to law enforcement
Refusing to identify yourself
“Obstructing” with gestures, statements, or movement
Preventing someone else from being detained
Depending on the charge, obstruction may be a misdemeanor or felony, and it can carry up to 5 years in prison.
🛡️ How a Florida Obstruction Defense Attorney Can Help
We challenge obstruction charges with a laser focus on the officer’s behavior and the situation:
🔹 Was the underlying arrest or stop legal?
🔹 Was the “obstruction” vague, verbal, or exaggerated?
🔹 Did the officer’s report contradict body cam or witness evidence?
🔹 Did law enforcement fail to follow protocol?
We often file motions to suppress and negotiate pretrial dismissals — especially when no actual crime was committed.
✅ Why Clients Choose Michael White
✅ Former Florida prosecutor with obstruction case experience
✅ Strategic, preemptive defense before charges escalate
✅ Aggressive courtroom advocacy backed by real case results
✅ Trusted by professionals, students, and first-time defendants
📞 Charged With Obstruction? Call a Former Prosecutor.
Police don’t get the last word. We do.
📲 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a consultation
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🧑⚖️ Is obstruction of justice a felony in Florida?
It can be. If you’re accused of obstructing with violence or during a felony investigation, the charge may be a third-degree felony.
⚖️ What if I just argued with an officer?
Obstruction must involve more than just disagreement. We challenge the charge when it’s based on protected speech or vague behavior.
📄 Is lying to police considered obstruction?
Yes — giving false information to law enforcement is a form of obstruction. But intent matters, and there are defenses.
🚔 Can I be charged for filming police?
Yes — giving false information to law enforcement is a form of obstruction. But intent matters, and there are defenses.
📉 Will this stay on my record?
If convicted, yes. But many obstruction charges are dropped or dismissed — especially with experienced legal help.