You probably have a rudimentary understanding of what the term “obstruction of justice” encompasses, but what does it really mean, and how is the charge handled in Minnesota? We explore answers the those questions and more in today’s blog on obstruction of justice in Minnesota.
Obstruction of Justice in Minnesota
Obstruction of justice is defined in Minnesota Statute 609.50, which states that an individual is guilty of obstruction of justice if they “obstruct, hinder, or prevent the lawful execution of any legal process, civil or criminal, or apprehension of another on a charge or conviction of a criminal offense.”
The law is open to interpretation, and because of this, there are many ways in which obstruction of justice can occur. Here’s an example of some of the more common ways a person can obstruct justice, but this is by no means a comprehensive list:
- Interfering with a crime scene.
- Lying to a police officer during an interaction or during questioning.
- Falsely reporting a crime.
- Attempting to bribe a jury or officer of the law.
- Fleeing or attempting to flee arrest.
- Being found in contempt of court.
- Preventing a law enforcement officer from doing their job.
All obstruction of justice charges aren’t created equal, which is why you should always consult a criminal defense lawyer. We’ll explain the potential penalties for obstruction of justice in the next section, but it’s in your best interest to talk with a defense attorney about all your options before admitting guilt or taking a plea deal.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Minnesota
Penalties for obstruction of justice in Minnesota can range from a misdemeanor to a felony based on the circumstances involved. Here’s a quick look at how these charges are levied and upgraded.
A basic charge for obstruction of justice is considered a misdemeanor offense, which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. If the obstruction of justice charge included violence or the threat of violence, you will be charged with a gross misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $3,000. Finally, if the incident involved actions that you knew or had reason to know could create the risk of death, serious injury or substantial property damage, of if any of those events occurred, you will be charged with felony level obstruction of justice. This is punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
As you can see, an obstruction of justice charge can carry serious consequences, so it is in your best interest to weigh all your options with a criminal defense attorney before deciding how to proceed. At Appelman Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation where you can sit down with a lawyer and discuss your case before deciding how to move forward. To set up that meeting, click here or give us a call at (952) 224-2277.
