Penal Code · §38.15
Interference with Public Duties
Elements
- A person
- With criminal negligence
- Interrupts, disrupts, impedes, or otherwise interferes with
- A peace officer while the officer is performing a duty or exercising authority imposed or granted by law; emergency medical services personnel; firefighters; or animal control officers performing duties (or other public servants enumerated in §38.15)
Penalty
Class B misdemeanor — up to 180 days county jail + up to $2,000 fine (§12.22).
Enhancements
Class A misdemeanor if conduct interferes with the public servant's emergency medical services or includes use of a wireless communication device against an emergency call. It is a defense to prosecution that the interruption consisted of speech only and did not include physical conduct.