Rochester MN Obstruction of Justice Lawyer

Obstruction of Justice Attorney Minnesota

Crimes against the administration of justice involve crimes that interfere with the work of the courts, the work of the police, and the work of government attorneys. While there is no common definition, they generally tend to make the work of the people in the justice system unnecessarily more difficult, while in some cases endangering the well-being of innocent bystanders. These crimes are almost always felonies unless otherwise noted, and, depending on the offender’s prior history, they can have harsh and severe penalties. If you have been arrested and charged with an obstruction of justice crime, contact our Rochester Minnesota Criminal Defense attorney, to see how we can help.

Common Obstruction of Justice Charges

Obstruction of Justice Crimes do not fit under specific subcategories. The following are the most often encountered charges:

• Perjury – The making of a false material statement, not believing it to be true, while under oath, or making two inconsistent statements under such circumstances that one or the other must be false and not believed by the person making it. A jury does not have to determine which statement was false to convict someone of perjury.
• Escape from Custody – Involves an offender departing lawful custody without permission to do so or failing to return to custody following temporary leave. The most common scenarios in which escape charges can be filed is:
  • When the offender escapes while held pursuant to lawful arrest;
  • When the offender escapes while possessing escape tools;
  • When a third party allows an offender to escape.   
• Fleeing a Peace Officer – Fleeing involves intentionally attempting to elude a peace officer under these scenarios:
  • While using a motor vehicle; or
  • By running and/or hiding.

Fleeing while using a motor vehicle is a very serious charge with significant penalties (40 years in prison) if death occurs in the course of the fleeing. An important collateral consequence of a fleeing by a motor vehicle conviction is the revocation of the offender’s driver’s license.

• Warning Someone of Investigation, Surveillance or Search – Involves notifying the subject of an investigation, surveillance, or search of the impending police investigation with the intent to obstruct, impede, or prevent the police investigation.
• Witness Tampering – Intentionally preventing or dissuading, by means of force or threats of injury to any person or property, a person who is or may become a witness from attending or testifying at any trial. Depending on the severity of the offense and whether threats of bodily harm, coercion or intimidation were used, witness tampering charges are divided into:
  • Aggravated Tampering in the First Degree
  • Tampering in the First Degree
  • Tampering in the Second Degree
  • Tampering in the Third Degree
• Giving a Peace Officer a False Name – Involves giving the police a false name, or the name of another person, in an attempt to deflect or interfere with an investigation.
  • Giving the name of a fictitious person is a misdemeanor crime.
  • Giving the name and date of birth of a real person is a gross misdemeanor crime.
• Aiding an Offender – Involves harboring, concealing, aiding or assisting an individual when the person knows that individual has committed a crime, or obstructing the investigation by destroying or concealing evidence or giving false testimony.

Contact Us Today For a Free Consultation

There are several other charges that fall under crimes against the administration of justice. If you have additional questions about these crimes, please contact the Dilaveri Law Firm today. We always offer free initial consultations to our clients. Call 507.206.6020 or complete our free case evaluation form.