Failure to obey a police order

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Failure to obey a police officer, failure to obey a police order, or failure to obey a lawful order is a crime in certain jurisdictions.

Canada[edit]

In Canada, the Criminal Code makes it illegal for a motor vehicle driver to disobey an order to stop for a police officer.[1] This includes flight from a peace officer. Such a charge, other than those involving death or bodily harm, can be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment. Flight from police causing injury or death is always indictable, with maximum penalties of 14 years and life imprisonment, respectively. A conviction also comes with a mandatory driver licence suspension by the relevant provincial or territorial Ministry of Transportation (e.g. minimum 5-year suspension of Ontario-wide driving privileges).

United States[edit]

In the United States, a failure to obey charge is typically a misdemeanor. For example, in Virginia, it is a misdemeanor to refuse to assist an officer in responding to a breach of the peace[2] or in executing his official duties in a criminal case.[3] In Washington, DC, this law is utilized primarily for purposes of ensuring that officers tasked with directing traffic have the authority to direct motorists and pedestrians in a proper and safe manner.[4]

Sweden[edit]

An individual who refuses "to obey an official command" given by a police officer may be charged under the Swedish Criminal Code.[5] It is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of six months. Notable individuals who have been cited under this statute include Greta Thunberg, who was charged 1,500 Swedish Crowns for her refusal to disperse[6] from a peaceful protest on September 15, 2020.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Branch, Legislative Services (November 17, 2022). "Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Criminal Code". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  2. ^ § 18.2-464. Failure to obey order of conservator of the peace.
  3. ^ § 18.2-463. Refusal to aid officer in execution of his office, archived from the original on May 14, 2003
  4. ^ Final Report Relative to Complaints of Alleged Misconduct Made at the October 24, 2002, Hearing of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Council of the District of Columbia Concerning the IMF/World Bank Protest, archived from the original on October 6, 2010
  5. ^ Oliver, Amy (2020). "The Swedish Criminal Code" (PDF). Government Offices of Sweden. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  6. ^ "Greta Thunberg charged again for disobeying police order". Reuters. September 15, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2024.


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