Obstruction of justice is a serious crime that refers to a broad number of different offenses. Essentially, obstruction of justice occurs when a suspect stands in the way of a criminal investigation or prosecution. One of the ways that an individual can commit obstruction of justice is by lying to the authorities.

You have the right to refuse to answer a police officer's questions or to say that you will not talk until you have an attorney present. Still, you do not have a constitutional right to lie to law enforcement. Making false statements can be prosecuted as a felony. If you willfully defraud a federal office you can end up facing at least five years in prison as a result.

Another way to obstruct justice is by hiding or destroying evidence that will hamper an investigation. If you conceal evidence, alter evidence, or destroy evidence you can receive a felony charge with a maximum 20-year penalty. For example, if you destroy documents that are essential in the investigation of a white collar crime, or if you burn the evidence of a murder, you can be charged with this offense.

According to lawyers, the evidence doesn't need to be physical. In our digital age, much of the evidence needed to prove a case is digital and on the computer. Deleting information from an Internet search or deleting incriminating messages can be forms of obstruction justice.

Interfering with a criminal investigation in any way is also considered offenses. Suspects can be charged with common law obstruction if they persuade a witness not to testify or if they simply misconstrue facts or talk vaguely on purpose. If you are charged with obstruction of justice you need to have a hardworking criminal defense lawyer there to help you work through your case right away. A committed team of lawyers can surround and defend you against these charges. Call today to learn more!