Alabama Obstruction Charges

By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq. | Last reviewed March 14, 2025

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Obstruction of justice occurs when someone tries to prevent government officials from performing their official duties. Because of the public costs associated with obstruction crimes, an obstruction charge can result in severe criminal penalties.

The state of Alabama imposes criminal penalties for the obstruction of justice when someone provides a false identity to thwart public governance. It also criminalizes the obstruction of public administration. Penalties for these crimes may result in jail time and criminal fines.

This article provides an overview of Alabama’s laws and criminal penalties related to obstruction. For more general information, visit FindLaw’s Obstruction of Justice article.

Alabama Obstruction Laws: Overview

The table below summarizes Alabama’s obstruction laws and penalties. Visit the links in the table or the Related Resources section below for more information.

Code Sections

Code of Alabama Title 13A Criminal Code, Chapter 8, Article 10 - The Consumer Identity Protection Act

  • AL Code § 13A-8-194 - Obstructing Justice Using a False Identity

Code of Alabama Title 13A Criminal Code, Chapter 10, Article 1

  • AL Code § 13A-10-2 - Obstructing Governmental Operations

Obstructing Justice Using a False Identity

Any person who uses another person’s identification documents or identifying information (or a fictitious person’s information) to avoid summons, arrest, prosecution, or to impede a criminal investigation commits the crime of obstructing justice using a false identity. (§ 13A-8-194(a))

Obstructing justice using a false identity is a Class C felony. (§ 13A-8-194(b))

Obstructing Governmental Operations

A person who, by means of intimidation, physical force, interference, or any other independently unlawful act, obstructs a governmental operation in the following ways commits the crime of obstructing governmental operations:

  • Intentionally obstructs, impairs, or otherwise hinders the administration of law or other governmental functions. (§ 13A-10-2(a)(1))

  • Intentionally prevents a public servant from performing a governmental function. (§ 13A-10-2(a)(2))

Note that § 13A-10-2 does not apply to the obstruction, impairment, or hindrance of making an arrest. (§ 13A-10-2(b))

Obstructing governmental operations is a Class A misdemeanor. (§ 13A-10-2(c))

Related Laws

  • Resisting Arrest (§ 13A-10-41)

  • Hindering Prosecution or Apprehension (§ 13-10-42)

  • Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement Officer (§ 13A-10-52)

  • Interfering With Judicial Proceedings (§ 13A-10-130)

Note: State laws are subject to change through actions of the state legislature, court rulings, and other means. Consider conducting your own research or contacting an Alabama criminal defense attorney to verify the law(s) you are researching.

Related Resources

The following articles provide more information on the state of Alabama’s laws and criminal law more generally:

For more information, you can also visit FindLaw’s Criminal Law and Criminal Charges sections.

Charged with Obstruction? Contact an Attorney

If the state has charged you with the obstruction of justice, contact an Alabama criminal defense lawyer. An experienced attorney can provide legal advice and represent you throughout your criminal case. For example, they can provide counsel as to whether to enter into plea bargain negotiations with the state or whether you should go to trial. Contact one today to get started on your defense strategies.

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