What is Obstruction of Justice?

In American Criminal law, Obstruction of Justice is defined as lying to a judge, police officer, or witness. It is a criminal offense that often leads to being charged with perjury. Even though lying is considered a serious crime in this field, most attorneys who work in criminal law consider it to be a technicality rather than a major crime.

There are three major types of Obstruction. One is when a person attempts to hide something that he or she knows or should know they should not have. It can be a work-related injury or a witness testimony that is contradictory.

Another type of Obstruction of Justice is when a person tries to cover up the circumstances of the crime. This could be a lie, that he or she says on the stand that protects a defendant. It could also be lying during an interview with the police. Any attempt to lie about a crime in court is considered Obstruction of Justice.

The last type of Obstruction of Justice is when the perpetrator deliberately makes a False Report of a crime. This happens when the perpetrator purposely lies and tells an untruthful story in an attempt to defend the accused. Making a false report is always a crime in criminal law. Whether it is made intentionally or unintentionally is irrelevant.

Obstruction can be committed by anyone including witnesses, police officers, and judges. The crime is so serious that a person will get jail time if convicted. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the witness or officer knew that a certain statement was false or that the perpetrator knowingly lied to him or her.

A conviction for Obstruction of Justice can lead to a very serious punishment such as being sentenced to prison, fines, or fines and probation. In the case of lying to a judge or police officer, a person could face jail time. If the liewas material, the person could get imprisoned for up to five years and fined up to $10,000.

When a person is caught with any evidence of a crime, they are asked if they knew the person to whom the evidence pertains. If the person replies "No" they are guilty of Obstruction of Justice and can be imprisoned for up to two years and fined up to $10,000.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to Obstruction of Justice is that you do not have to answer a question when it does not apply to you. Obstruction is a serious crime and anyone who claims otherwise is lying to you. You need to fight it as if it is your last chance to save your own skin.