§ 19944 Obstructing Department Duties

Business and Professions Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•Don't stop or bother people from the department or commission while they're doing their job.
•If you do, you can get in trouble with the law.
•You might have to pay up to $1,000 or go to jail for up to 6 months, or both.

Example

A worker from the health department is checking a restaurant for cleanliness. You get angry and block their way, refusing to let them do their job.

This is against the law. You could be arrested, fined up to $1,000, or even go to jail for up to 6 months.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 19944 Obstructing Department Duties

Any person who willfully resists, prevents, impedes, or interferes with the department or the commission or any of their agents or employees in the performance of duties pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine. (Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 176, Sec. 41. Effective August 24, 2007.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

willfully resists prevents impedes interferes misdemeanor imprisonment in a county jail fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000)

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 19944.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References