COPS1000 - Law Office of W.F. ''Casey'' Ebsary Jr

COPS2000 Obstructing or Opposing an Officer with Violence Defense | Tampa Lawyer

Law Office of W.F. ''Casey'' Ebsary Jr — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:10:26 GMT

Charged with COPS2000: Obstructing or Opposing an Officer with Violence in Florida? Contact Us Today for Expert Legal Defense!

If you’ve been charged with COPS2000: Obstructing or Opposing an Officer with Violence, it’s important to consult a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. COPS2000 is a felony offense under Florida Statute § 843.01 and can have severe legal consequences, including significant prison time. Our team at Law Office of W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. is here to help you navigate your charges and fight for the best possible outcome.

What is COPS2000: Obstructing or Opposing an Officer with Violence?

COPS2000, under Florida Statute § 843.01, involves using force or violence to resist, oppose, or obstruct a law enforcement officer while they are performing their official duties. This charge is categorized as a third-degree felony.

Penalties for COPS2000: Obstructing or Opposing an Officer with Violence

A conviction for COPS2000 can result in severe penalties, including:

Up to 5 years in prison
Probation for up to 5 years
Fines up to $5,000
A permanent criminal record, which can severely affect your future

If you have been charged with this offense, contact a Tampa criminal defense lawyer at Law Office of W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. immediately to start building your defense.

Defenses Against COPS2000 Charges

There are several defenses that could potentially reduce or dismiss COPS2000 charges, including:

Excessive Force: If the officer used excessive force, your actions might have been a reasonable response to protect yourself.
Mistaken Identity: If you were wrongly identified as the person obstructing or resisting, this could be a defense.
Lack of Intent: If you did not have the intent to obstruct or oppose the officer, this could be a key defense in court.

Each case is unique, and we’ll work with you to identify the most effective defense strategy. Law Office of W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. offers free consultations to discuss the best approach for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ

What is the difference between obstructing and opposing an officer with violence?

Obstructing an officer typically refers to hindering or delaying an officer from carrying out their duties without the use of force. This can include actions like failing to comply with commands or attempting to evade arrest. However, opposing an officer with violence involves the use of force or physical violence against an officer while they are performing their official duties. This charge is taken much more seriously, as it directly puts the officer at risk and is classified as a felony under Florida law.

Can I be charged with COPS2000 if I didn’t physically injure the officer?

Yes, you can still be charged with obstructing or opposing an officer with violence even if the officer wasn’t physically injured. The law focuses on the use of force, not necessarily whether the officer sustained an injury. Simply engaging in violent behavior, such as pushing, striking, or threatening an officer, can result in felony charges, regardless of whether the officer was physically harmed. It is the act of resisting or obstructing through violence that leads to a charge under Florida Statute § 843.01.

What should I do if I’ve been charged with COPS2000?

If you’ve been charged with COPS2000, it is crucial to take immediate action and consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. A skilled lawyer will examine the circumstances surrounding your case, review any evidence, and determine the best strategy for defense. In many cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed, especially if there are issues with how the arrest was handled or if there is a lack of evidence to support the use of violence. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is essential to protect your rights and your future.

What defenses are available for COPS2000 charges?

There are several potential defenses against COPS2000 charges. One possible defense is challenging the intent behind your actions—arguing that you did not intend to obstruct or oppose the officer violently. Another defense could be if you were acting in self-defense, particularly if you believed the officer was using excessive force. Additionally, if the officer was acting outside the scope of their official duties or if you were wrongfully identified as the person obstructing or resisting, these could also serve as valid defenses in court. An experienced defense attorney will evaluate your case thoroughly to determine the best defense strategy.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been charged with COPS2000: Obstructing or Opposing an Officer with Violence, it’s crucial to have experienced legal representation by your side. At Law Office of W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr., we understand the complexity of these charges and will fight to protect your rights and future.

Call us today at (813) 222-2220 or schedule a free consultation here to discuss your case and begin building your defense.

COPS1000 – Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence in Hillsborough County, FL

Law Office of W.F. ''Casey'' Ebsary Jr — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:32:21 GMT

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)

FAQ

What is a COPS1000 Obstructing or Opposing an Officer Without Violence charge in Florida?

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.

Is Obstruction Without Violence a misdemeanor?

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.

What are some defenses to a COPS1000 charge?

Common defenses include lack of intent, no lawful duty being performed by the officer, First Amendment protections, misidentification, or an unlawful arrest.

Why should I hire a local attorney for a COPS1000 charge in Hillsborough County?

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.

How can I contact Attorney W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr.?

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

Obstructing or Opposing an Officer without Violence 843.02, COPS1000

“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.