New Hampshire § 642-1 - Section 642:1 Obstructing Government Administration.
Full text of New Hampshire New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 642-1 — Section 642:1 Obstructing Government Administration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 642-1. Section 642:1 Obstructing Government Administration.
I. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if that person uses intimidation, actual or threatened force or violence, simulated legal process, or engages in any other unlawful conduct with a purpose to hinder or interfere with a public servant, as defined in RSA 640:2, II, performing or purporting to perform an official function or to retaliate for the performance or purported performance of such a function. II. Flight by a person charged with an offense, refusal by anyone to submit to arrest, or any such interference in connection with a labor dispute with the government shall be prosecuted under the statutes governing such matters and not under this section. III. In this section, "simulated legal process" means a document or order which purports to have been issued by a court or filed or recorded for the purpose of exercising jurisdiction or representing a claim against a person or property, or for the purpose of directing a person to appear before a court or tribunal, or to perform or refrain from performing a specified act, but which the actor knows was not lawfully issued or rendered in accordance with the applicable statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances of the federal, state, or local government, or a political subdivision thereof. "Simulated legal process" includes any document that purports to be a summons, lien, indictment, complaint, warrant, injunction, writ, notice, pleading, subpoena, or order. IV. For any offense committed under paragraph I that involved the use of simulated legal process, the court may impose the following remedies, in addition to any criminal penalties authorized under RSA 651: (a) Such appropriate injunctive relief as the court may deem necessary to prevent continued violations of this section. (b) Restitution to the public official for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of the simulated legal process, including legal fees.
Source: official New Hampshire text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About New Hampshire § 642-1
What does New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 642-1 cover?
Section 642-1 ("Section 642:1 Obstructing Government Administration.") is part of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, the codified statutory law of New Hampshire. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Hampshire § 642-1?
A common citation format is "New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated § 642-1" (New Hampshire). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Hampshire law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Hampshire official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Hampshire attorney.
How does New Hampshire § 642-1 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Hampshire can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Hampshire.