What must a person knowingly do to be charged with resisting or obstructing an officer?

To be charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, a person must knowingly resist or obstruct an officer in the performance of their official duties. This involves actions that intentionally hinder or interfere with an officer's ability to carry out their lawful responsibilities. The law is designed to support the effective enforcement of justice by ensuring that officers can perform their roles without unnecessary interference.

In contrast, actions such as interfering with an officer's personal life, verbally denying their presence, or requesting them to leave do not meet the legal threshold required for the offense of resisting or obstructing an officer. These actions do not inherently impede the officer's ability to perform their duties under law enforcement protocols. Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the parameters of lawful behavior in encounters with law enforcement.