Kentucky Revised Statutes
Ky. Rev. Stat. § 519.020 (2026)
Obstructing governmental operations
✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) A person is guilty of obstructing governmental operations when he intentionally obstructs, impairs or hinders the performance of a governmental function by using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference. (2) This section shall not apply to: (a) Any means of avoiding compliance with the law without affirmative interference with governmental functions; or (b) The obstruction, impairment or hindrance of unlawful action by a public servant; or (c) The obstruction, impairment or hindrance of an arrest. (3) Obstructing governmental operations is a Class A misdemeanor. Effective: January 1, 1975 History: Created 1974 Ky. Acts ch. 406, sec. 164, effective January 1, 1975.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 9
cases (5 in the last 5 years), 2013–2026 · leading case: Estep v. Combs, 366 F. Supp. 3d 863 (E.D. Ky. 2018).
Estep v. Combs, 366 F. Supp. 3d 863 (E.D. Ky. 2018). “" KRS 519.020 ("Obstructing governmental operations.”
Phat's Bar & Grill v. Louisville Jefferson Cnty. Metro Gov't, 918 F. Supp. 2d 654 (W.D. Ky. 2013). “…the performance of a governmental function by using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference.” KRS § 519.020.”
Allen v. Thompson, 14 F. Supp. 3d 885 (W.D. Ky. 2014). “” Ky.Rev. Stat. § 519.020(1). There is no evidence that Allen threatened to use or did use violence or force.”
Johnson v. Smith (W.D. Ky. 2024). “Johnson was charged with obstructing governmental operations in violation of KRS 519.020, which was later dismissed due to lack of evidence.”
Estep v. Combs (E.D. Ky. 2020). “22, 2017) (affirming probable cause finding as to KRS 519.020, noting that plaintiff “physically impeded [the officer], that he physically touched [the officer], that his intent was to prevent the service of [a] summons, and that because of his efforts, his client was able to…”
Anthony Camarca v. City of Covington Police Dep't (6th Cir. 2026). “At issue is Ky. Rev. Stat. § 519.020. A person violates that statute “when he intentionally obstructs, impairs or hinders the performance of a governmental function by using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference.”
Mix v. West (W.D. Ky. 2023). “violations, West arrested Plaintiff for a violation of KRS 519.020 (“Obstructing Governmental Operations”).”
Cortezz Dickerson v. William Bower (Ky. Ct. App. 2025). “2 In briefing this Court, both parties contend Kraps was arrested for violating KRS 519.020, obstructing governmental operations.”
Camarca v. City of Covington (E.D. Ky. 2025). “” KRS 519.020. Under these facts, Officer Woodward not only had reasonable suspicion to believe that Camarca was intentionally obstructing his investigation by using physical interference, but he also had probable cause to believe that Camarca was doing so.”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 519.020(1) — 3 cases
Allen v. Thompson, 14 F. Supp. 3d 885 (W.D. Ky. 2014). “” Ky.Rev. Stat. § 519.020(1). There is no evidence that Allen threatened to use or did use violence or force.”
Estep v. Combs (E.D. Ky. 2020). “22, 2017) (affirming probable cause finding as to KRS 519.020, noting that plaintiff “physically impeded [the officer], that he physically touched [the officer], that his intent was to prevent the service of [a] summons, and that because of his efforts, his client was able to…”
Anthony Camarca v. City of Covington Police Dep't (6th Cir. 2026). “At issue is Ky. Rev. Stat. § 519.020. A person violates that statute “when he intentionally obstructs, impairs or hinders the performance of a governmental function by using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference.”
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