It is a crime under New Hampshire criminal law to obstruct the report of a crime or injury to law enforcement. RSA 642:10 states, in relevant part, that it is illegal to block access to any telephone, radio or other electronic communication device with a purpose to prevent the report of a crime, injury or property damage to any law enforcement agency. It also covers preventing someone from requesting an ambulance or other emergency medical assistance.
This crime is often charges as a crime of domestic violence. Frequently when a husband and wife (boyfriend and girlfriend) get into an argument that turns physical, one of the parties may hold his/her phone and threaten to call the police. When the other party grabs the phone in an attempt to prevent this the police will often charge that party with this crime.
If charged as a class A misdemeanor which crime can be punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
If you or someone you love has been charged with obstructing the report of a crime, don’t wait. You need the domestic violence lawyers of Cohen & Winters to help you. Contact us for a free consultation today.
