People v. Robles
California Courts of Appeal
56 Cal. Rptr. 2d 369 (1996)
Relevant factsFree
While Officer Huizar worked undercover to buy crack cocaine, Luis Robles (defendant) twice told the drug suspect that Huizar was an undercover officer and to leave, causing the suspect to flee. Robles was convicted of obstructing an officer in the discharge of his duties and appealed, arguing his statement was constitutionally protected speech.
IssueFree
Whether a verbal challenge directed at a police officer is constitutionally protected as free speech when it amounts to a physical interference with the officer's execution of his lawful duties.