Whether you’re looking to protect a family member from facing legal consequences or you yourself are worried about being charged with a criminal offense, you may take action to hinder the police investigation. However, it’s imperative to understand that any attempt to interfere with or impede a police investigation is a crime in and of itself. As such, if you have been charged with obstruction of justice in New Jersey, it’s in your best interest to connect with experienced New Jersey & Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyers to assist you in understanding your legal options and how to proceed during these complex matters.
What Does “Obstruction of Justice” Mean Under New Jersey Law?
Under New Jersey law, obstruction of justice is formally charged as an “Obstructing the Administration of Law.” Essentially, you can be charged with this offense any time you intentionally interfere with law enforcement, courts, or any other public official acting in their official capacity. Most commonly, this is charged when someone attempts to prevent the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense
Common actions that warrant an obstruction charge include, but are not limited to, providing false information during an arrest, destroying evidence, warning others about police investigations, or refusing to comply with a subpoena.
What Are the Penalties I Can Face if Charged?
The penalties you can face for an obstruction of justice offense will vary based on a number of factors. Generally, you’ll find that in most instances, it is considered a disorderly persons offense, which is similar to a misdemeanor. This means you can face up to six months in jail with potential fines of up to $1,000.
However, in the event that your attempted obstruction involves violence or fleeing the scene, you can face a fourth-degree felony offense. This warrants up to 18 months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. Other acts that can result in a felony obstruction offense include tampering with evidence during the investigation of a felony offense or obstructing judicial proceedings, such as tampering with witnesses or ignoring subpoenas.
It’s critical to note that an obstruction of justice charge often goes hand in hand with other criminal offenses like assault or resisting arrest. As such, the more charges you face, the more penalties you can face.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing Charges?
If you have been charged with obstruction of justice in New Jersey, it’s critical to understand your legal options. In general, the most important thing you should keep in mind is that you should immediately request an attorney and then invoke your right to remain silent. Any attempt to defend yourself to the officers can be twisted and used against you in court to incriminate you. As such, remaining silent until you have consulted an attorney is critical.
When you are in legal trouble, connecting with an experienced attorney with the Vigilante Law Firm, P.C. is in your best interest. Our team understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate on your own, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
