How long is the sentence for obstruction of justice?

Generally, federal obstruction of justice is punishable by up to five years in prison.

What is an obstructing justice charge?

18 U.S.C. § 1503 defines “obstruction of justice” as an act that “corruptly or by threats or force, or by any threatening letter or communication, influences, obstructs, or impedes, or endeavors to influence, obstruct, or impede, the due administration of justice.”

What is an example of obstructing justice?

Obstruction is a broad crime that may include acts such as perjury, making false statements to officials, witness tampering, jury tampering, destruction of evidence, and many others.

What is a Class B misdemeanor in Kentucky?

Class B misdemeanor offenses are less serious misdemeanors which carry a penalty of not more than 90 days in jail or a fine of not more than $250.00, or both jail and fine. An even lesser class of offense is what is known as a “violation” which carries a penalty of fine only, up to $250.00.

How do you beat obstruction of justice charge?

To beat an obstruction of justice charge, you need to present a defence in your support with legitimate evidence and purpose. The best way to do that is to hire a criminal defence attorney.

What is the most common form of obstruction of justice?

Witness Tampering One of the most common forms of federal obstruction of justice charges is tampering with a witness in a criminal investigation or prosecution. Witness tampering is a felony under 18 U.S.C. Section 1512, which also prohibits tampering with a victim or a government informant.

Who are liable for obstruction of justice?

Obstruction of justice refers to the commission of acts penalized under Presidential Decree No. 1829 (“Penalizing Obstruction of Apprehension and Prosecution of Criminal Offenders”). Any person — whether private or public — who commits the acts enumerated below may be charged with violating PD 1829.

How bad is obstruction of justice?

State laws may define obstruction of justice as a felony or a misdemeanor. Some states punish obstruction of justice as a mid-level felony with penalties up to three years in prison. Others charge the crime as a gross misdemeanor with a potential sentence of less than a year in jail and a fine.

Can a judge drop a misdemeanor?

Your lawyer can also file a motion asking a judge to dismiss the charges. Most judges defer to the prosecution and rarely dismiss charges on their own. But in the right circumstances, a prosecutor might bring a case that’s so flawed that a judge has no choice but to dismiss the charges.

Will you go to jail for a Class A misdemeanor?

A Class A Misdemeanor, also known as a “Misdemeanor Class A,” is considered the most serious type of misdemeanor in most jurisdictions. Therefore the punishment for a Class A Misdemeanor is typically close to the maximum of one year in jail. Crimes that require a longer sentence will be classified as felonies.

What is law enforcement obstruction?

The crime of Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer is defined under state law as when a person “willfully hinders, delays, or obstructs any law enforcement officer in the discharge of his or her official powers or duties.” It is a statute that is often misused by a police officer to punish a person for being …

What is fleeing with reckless indifference?

This means to evade the police in a vehicle while driving with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.

What is obstruction of Justice under Kentucky law?

Under Kentucky law, obstruction of justice is called “obstructing governmental operations” (519.020). A person is guilty of obstructing governmental operations when he intentionally obstructs, impairs or hinders the performance of a governmental function by using or threatening to use violence, force or physical interference.

What are examples of obstruction of justice convictions?

One recent example of an obstruction of justice conviction is that of Kevin Asher, a former supervisory deputy jailer at the Kentucky River Regional Jail, according to the federal Department of Justice. He was convicted by a jury of multiple charges relating to the beating of a detainee by himself and another deputy jailer, in November 2012.

What is obstructing governmental operations?

The obstruction, impairment or hindrance of unlawful action by a public servant; or The obstruction, impairment or hindrance of an arrest. (3) Obstructing governmental operations is a Class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by 90 days to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.