§ 5-54-102 - Obstructing governmental operations. - Arkansas Statutes

5-54-102. Obstructing governmental operations.

(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.