18 U.S.C. § 1509 – Obstruction of Court Orders
This statute makes it a crime to use threats or force to interfere with the enforcement of federal court orders.
What this statute does.
Section 1509 targets conduct that interferes with the execution or enforcement of orders, judgments, or decrees issued by a federal court. It focuses on obstruction through intimidation or physical interference, not procedural or paper-based misconduct.
Core prohibited conduct.
A person violates this statute if they willfully, by threats or force:
- Prevent, obstruct, impede, or interfere with the exercise of rights under a federal court order
- Prevent, obstruct, impede, or interfere with the performance of duties required by a federal court order
- Attempt to do any of the above
The statute applies to interference with any order, judgment, or decree of a United States court.
Means required.
Unlike broader obstruction statutes, § 1509 is limited to interference carried out through:
- Threats, or
- Physical force
Mere noncompliance, delay, or administrative obstruction—without threats or force—typically falls under other statutes.
Penalties.
- Up to 1 year in prison
- Fines under Title 18
Civil remedies preserved.
The statute expressly states that criminal prosecution does not bar injunctive or other civil relief based on the same conduct.
If you are facing allegations involving interference with a federal court order, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our federal criminal defense attorneys.
