Public Order and Obstruction Charges in Tennessee

Criminal Defense Attorneys in Nashville

Public order and obstruction charges in Tennessee involve allegations that a person disrupted public peace, interfered with law enforcement, disobeyed court orders, or engaged in conduct deemed disorderly or obstructive. These offenses are often charged as misdemeanors, but they can still carry jail time, fines, probation, and lasting consequences.

Because these cases frequently arise from fast-moving encounters with police or emotionally charged situations, charges are often filed based on limited information or subjective interpretation. What begins as a minor incident can quickly escalate into multiple criminal counts.

Below is an overview of common Public Order and Obstruction Charges in Tennessee, including the applicable statutes and a brief explanation of each offense.

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Public Conduct Offenses

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Disorderly Conduct:

TCA § 39-17-305

Disorderly conduct involves behavior that allegedly disturbs public peace, such as fighting, unreasonable noise, obstructing traffic, or disruptive behavior in public places. These charges often depend heavily on officer discretion and interpretation of events.

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Public Intoxication:

TCA § 39-17-310

Public intoxication occurs when a person is allegedly intoxicated in a public place to the degree that they endanger themselves or others or unreasonably annoy people nearby. These cases frequently involve alcohol but can also involve drugs or prescription medication.

Obstruction and Interference Offenses

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Criminal Impersonation:

TCA § 39-16-301

Criminal impersonation involves assuming a false identity or pretending to act with authority for the purpose of deceiving others or causing harm. These charges often arise in disputes involving identification, employment, or interactions with law enforcement.

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Evading Arrest:

TCA § 39-16-603

Evading arrest involves intentionally fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement after being signaled to stop. This offense may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether a vehicle was involved and whether anyone was placed at risk.

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Resisting Arrest:

TCA § 39-16-602

Resisting arrest occurs when a person intentionally prevents or attempts to prevent a law enforcement officer from effecting a stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search. These cases often hinge on the level of force used and whether the arrest was lawful.

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Failure to Appear:

TCA § 39-16-609

Failure to appear charges arise when a person does not appear in court as ordered. These charges can quickly escalate from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the underlying case and prior history.

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Criminal Contempt of Court:

TCA § 29-9-102

Criminal contempt involves willful disobedience of a lawful court order, such as violating bond conditions, no-contact orders, or other judicial directives. These charges are commonly associated with domestic cases and Orders of Protection.

Why Public Order and Obstruction Charges Require Immediate Legal Attention

Public order and obstruction cases often involve:

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Officer Discretion and Subjective Interpretation

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Conflicting Witness Accounts

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Video or Body-Camera Evidence

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Rapid Escalation Into Multiple Charges

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Court Orders and Strict Compliance Requirements

Early involvement by a criminal defense attorney can help challenge unlawful arrests, suppress improper evidence, and prevent minor allegations from turning into serious criminal records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Order Charges

  • Are public order offenses always misdemeanors?

    No. While many begin as misdemeanors, some can be charged as felonies depending on circumstances and prior history.

  • Can multiple charges come from a single incident?

    Yes. Disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and evading arrest are often charged together.

  • Does officer discretion matter in these cases?

    Yes. Many public order offenses rely heavily on an officer’s interpretation of events.

  • Can these charges affect future cases?

    Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions can affect bond decisions, sentencing, and future prosecutions.

Speak With a Tennessee Criminal Defense Attorney

Public order and obstruction charges can carry consequences far beyond the immediate incident. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can evaluate the evidence, challenge improper police conduct, and work to protect your rights and record.

If you are facing disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, evading arrest, or other public order charges in Tennessee, Freeman & Fuson is ready to help.

Call Freeman & Fuson at (615) 298-7272 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.