What Is Obstruction of Justice?

Obstruction of justice is when someone tampers with the legal process, intentionally interfering with a court case, investigation or any other legal proceeding. Essentially, this means interfering in the legal system’s operations and preventing the justice system from doing its job and allowing the system to dispense justice.

Obstruction of justice can take many forms, and the consequences vary depending on whether the obstruction occurs in a criminal or civil court. Generally, people accused of obstruction of justice face serious charges and can be sent to jail or face hefty fines if convicted.

Modern Examples of Obstruction of Justice

In recent years, obstruction of justice has been in the news in the context of U.S. political scandals. In particular, obstruction of justice has famously been part of the case against President Donald Trump and his associates. The 2017 special counsel investigation found evidence that Trump and his associates attempted to impede and obstruct the work of the U.S. Department of Justice and the investigation by the special counsel probe.

Other recent examples of obstruction of justice include former Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich’s attempts to illegally sell Barack Obama’s former Senate seat for personal gain. Blagojevich was convicted of 17 counts of corruption, the most serious of which was obstruction of justice. Just recently, former Trump’s campaign chair Paul Manafort was convicted of obstructing justice by tampering with witnesses during his 2018 trial

Serious Consequences of Obstruction of Justice

Obstruction of justice is often charged as a felony and can carry hefty jail sentences. In the current U.S. legal system, the punishment for a conviction of obstruction of justice can range from probation or house arrest to up to 25 years in jail. Obstructing justice can also carry hefty financial penalties, such as fines upwards of $100,000.

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If your business is facing charges of obstruction of justice, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer who can protect your rights and ensure a fair legal process.

Related Legal Concepts

Understanding obstruction of justice requires familiarity with how the broader criminal justice system operates and the various roles within it. When someone becomes a fugitive from justice by evading legal proceedings, this often compounds obstruction charges. The justice system relies on cooperation from all parties to function properly, whether cases are heard before a justice of the peace for minor matters or escalate through higher courts where an Associate Justice might preside.

The Bottom Line

Obstruction of justice is a serious federal and state crime that can result in significant prison time and substantial fines. The key element is the intentional interference with legal proceedings, investigations, or court processes. Whether involving witness tampering, destroying evidence, or impeding an investigation, these charges carry severe consequences that can fundamentally alter someone’s life. For guidance specific to your situation, always consult a qualified, licensed attorney.