NRS 197.190 is the Nevada law that makes it a crime to obstruct a public officer. A violation of this statute is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to six months in jail.

1. What is a crime under NRS 197.190?

Under NRS 197.190, a person can be arrested for “obstructing a public officer” by either:

1. refusing or neglecting to give information to a public officer when you are legally mandated to and have been given notice to,
2. deliberately making a false, misleading, or exaggerated statement to a public officer, or
3. deliberately hindering a public officer from carrying out their official duties.¹

Note that a “public officer” constitutes any Nevada state or local government employee. Some of the professions these includes are:

• police officers,
• senators,
• council members, and
• judges.²

An example of obstructing a public officer is taunting a cop while he/she is trying to arrest someone else.

2. Can a defendant raise a legal defense?

Yes. Typical defenses to violating NRS 197.190 are that:

• the defendant acted legally, or
• the state cannot produce sufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

3. What are the penalties for obstructing a public officer?

It is a misdemeanor to obstruct a public officer in Nevada.

The penalties include up to:

• six months in jail, and/or
• $1,000 in fines.³

Read more information on the Nevada crime of obstructing a public officer.

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