Failure to Obey a Police Officer is a crime in Massachusetts. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 25 defines this law, which encompasses a number of scenarios involving an operator of a motor vehicle failing to comply with the officer’s demands.
The prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt that:
1. You were operating a motor vehicle; and
2. The police officer was in uniform or had his/her badge conspicuously displayed on the outside of his/her clothing; and
3. And, you either refused to give your name and address or the name and address of the owner of the vehicle, or gave a false name or address; or refused to stop when signaled to do so by the officer, or c. refused to produce your driver’s license or the vehicle’s registration; or d. refused to sign your name in the presence of the officer; and
4. Finally, you knew that the officer had made a command and you intentionally disobeyed it.
What is the Penalty in Massachusetts for Failure to Obey Police?
The penalty is a criminal conviction and a $100 fine. Also, that conviction will appear on your criminal record. Pleading guilty in court and paying the fine is not equivalent to paying a traffic ticket; you are admitting that you have committed a crime.
Charged With Failure to Obey a Police Officer in Massachusetts?
If you have been charged with or cited for refusing to obey a police officer, it is important to contact an experienced defense attorney right away. Possible defenses include that the police officer’s uniform or badge is not readily apparent, or that you did not understand the command or know that one was being given.
