What mental state is required for Interference with Public Duties?

• A. Intentional
• B. Knowingly
• C. Recklessly
• D. Criminal negligence

Answer: (D)

Interference with Public Duties hinges on the level of fault expected when someone disrupts a public servant performing official duties. The correct mind-set is criminal negligence, meaning the actor’s conduct shows a gross deviation from the standard of care a reasonable person would observe and creates a substantial risk that public duties will be hindered, even if the actor did not intend to interfere or realize that interference was happening. The law punishes this kind of careless disregard because it still endangers critical public functions.

If someone intentionally or knowingly tries to disrupt, or acts with reckless disregard for a substantial risk, those higher levels of fault could fit different statutes or facts, but for this offense the minimum criminal liability is criminal negligence.