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COPS1000 – Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence in Hillsborough County, FL
Charged with COPS1000 in Hillsborough County? Get Expert Legal Help from W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.
If you’ve been charged with COPS1000 (Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence) in Hillsborough County, Florida, you need a seasoned criminal defense attorney on your side. Under Florida Statute 843.02, this charge involves resisting, obstructing, or opposing law enforcement officers or other authorized officials during the lawful performance of their duties—without violence. Although it may seem less severe than other criminal offenses, a COPS1000 conviction can still have significant consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
At the Law Office of W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr., we specialize in defending clients charged with COPS1000 and other criminal offenses in Tampa and the surrounding areas. With extensive experience in criminal defense, Attorney Ebsary understands the complexities of Florida’s criminal laws and is committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor charge or a more serious allegation, we are here to provide aggressive and effective representation.
If you’re facing charges for COPS1000, time is crucial. Contact our office today at (813) 222-2220 for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and fight tirelessly to protect your future. Don’t face these charges alone—let W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr. guide you through every step of the legal process.
Facing a COPS1000 Charge? Call (813) 222-2220 Today
If you’ve been charged with Obstruction Without Violence under Florida Statute § 843.02, you need experienced legal help fast. W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr., a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer based in Tampa, Florida, is ready to fight for your rights.
Call Us at 813-222-2220
What Is COPS1000?
COPS1000 is the charge code used in Hillsborough County for Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence. According to Florida Statute § 843.02, this occurs when someone resists, obstructs, or opposes any law enforcement officer or government official during lawful duty—without using violence.
Examples May Include:
- Refusing to comply with lawful commands
- Providing false information to officers
- Verbally interfering with an investigation
- Walking away from officers during a lawful stop
- Interfering with an arrest (not physically)
Penalties for Obstruction Without Violence
This charge is a first-degree misdemeanor and can result in:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to 12 months probation
- Fines up to $1,000
- Permanent criminal record
Top 5 Things to Know Before Hiring a Lawyer for COPS1000
| Top Five | Thing to Know | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Board Certification | Choose a lawyer certified by the Florida Bar in criminal trial law for proven expertise. |
| 2 | Local Experience | Attorneys familiar with Hillsborough courts know the prosecutors and judges that matter. |
| 3 | Track Record | Look for successful defenses in similar COPS1000 cases—dismissals or reduced charges. |
| 4 | Communication | Your lawyer should be responsive and clearly explain strategy, options, and risks. |
| 5 | Free Consultation | Don’t pay to learn your rights—get a no-obligation review of your case today. |
Top 5 Defenses for COPS1000 Charges
- No Intent: The accused did not knowingly resist or obstruct.
- Officer Not Performing Lawful Duty: The officer may not have been acting within the scope of legal duty.
- First Amendment Protections: Lawful speech cannot be criminalized.
- Unlawful Arrest: Resistance to an illegal arrest may be defensible.
- Misidentification: The accused may not have been the one involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
COPS1000 refers to the charge of Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence, as defined in Florida Statute § 843.02. It involves resisting a law enforcement officer or other authorized official during the performance of their legal duties—without using violence.
Yes. In Florida, Obstruction Without Violence is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, one year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.
Common defenses include lack of intent, no lawful duty being performed by the officer, First Amendment protections, misidentification, or an unlawful arrest.
A local attorney understands the court system, judges, and prosecutors in Hillsborough County, increasing the chance for a successful outcome through familiarity with local procedures and tendencies.
You can contact us at (813) 222-2220 for a free consultation or visit www.CentralLaw.com to submit your case securely online.
Contact Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.
Don’t face a COPS1000 charge alone. Let an experienced Hillsborough County criminal defense lawyer fight for you.
Call (813) 222-2220 or visit www.CentralLaw.com for a free consultation.
Original Page from 2010
“resist, obstruct, or oppose any officer. . . in the lawful execution of any legal duty, without offering or doing violence to the person of the officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor”
Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence
If you have been charged with COPS1000 OBSTRUCTING OR OPPOSING AN OFFICER WITHOUT VIOLENCE (Obstructing or Opposing an Officer without Violence) You can call a Defense Attorney Tampa at (813) 222-2220.
Form Code: COPS1000
Florida Statute: 843.02
Level: Misd (Misdemeanor)
Degree: 1st
Description: OBSTRUCTING OR OPPOSING AN OFFICER WITHOUT VIOLENCE
Title XLVI CRIMES
Chapter 843 OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE
843.02 Resisting officer without violence to his or her person.
Whoever shall resist, obstruct, or oppose any officer as defined in s. 943.10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7), (8), or (9); member of the Parole Commission or any administrative aide or supervisor employed by the commission; county probation officer; parole and probation supervisor; personnel or representative of the Department of Law Enforcement; or other person legally authorized to execute process in the execution of legal process or in the lawful execution of any legal duty, without offering or doing violence to the person of the officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.