{"id":352111,"date":"2023-10-24T08:09:31","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T13:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/obstruction-of-justice.html"},"modified":"2023-10-24T08:09:31","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T13:09:31","slug":"obstruction-of-justice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/obstruction-of-justice.html","title":{"rendered":"Obstruction of Justice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Obstruction of Justice<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Obstruction of justice involves efforts to prevent the government from uncovering crime or other improper conduct. By obstructing justice, the offender seeks to thwart the lawful authority of local, state, or federal officials.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

These crimes may seek to hamper the legitimate operation of the justice system or a government office. From elected officials to street criminals, those convicted of obstruction of justice charges may face major consequences. Prosecutions can begin at the federal or state level.<\/p>\n

This article describes obstruction of justice. It gives examples of obstruction crimes and discusses the possible penalties. Because these penalties are serious, you should consult with a defense lawyer<\/a> about charges against you.<\/p>\n

Obstruction of Justice Under Federal Jurisdiction<\/h2>\n

Obstruction of justice refers to an act that, according to federal law:<\/p>\n

"… 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."<\/p>\n

There are many types of obstruction covered in federal statutes. Obstruction crimes fall into three basic categories under federal law.<\/p>\n

Interference with the justice process and federal court proceedings by:<\/p>\n