What Is Obstruction of Justice?Obstruction of justice is the crime of interfering with the administration and due process of the law, including any criminal proceeding or investigation. Obstruction can be either a federal crime or a state crime, depending on the type of proceeding interfered with. To be guilty of obstruction of justice, a person must have knowledge of an investigation or proceeding and attempt to influence it.
The definition of obstruction is very broad and includes any interference with the application of the law, so there are many offenses that can be considered obstruction of justice. Some examples include: - Lying to police during questioning;
- Falsifying or destroying documents sought by the police during an investigation;
- Attempting to influence a jury or witness.
The right of individuals to remain silent only allows them to refuse to answer police questions. If they answer and lie, this is not protected and is obstruction. What Is the Penalty for Obstruction of Justice?Since there are so many offenses that can constitute obstruction of justice, the penalty will vary based on the severity of the offense. Penalties can range from simple fines to jail time of up to ten years. Do I Need a Lawyer?If you have been accused of any crime, you should speak to a criminal defense lawyer immediately. A lawyer can advise you of your rights and defenses under the law and represent you in court. |
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