Obstruction of Justice & Witness Tampering in Utah

Skilled criminal defense lawyer in Utah

Obstruction of justice covers a wide range of actions that are not legally permitted in relation to ongoing criminal investigations. The common factor is the alleged intent to interfere with the process of criminal justice. Witness tampering is also a form of such interference. When you are charged with these crimes, the Law Office of Harold W. Stone, III provides strong defense.

Actions resulting in obstruction of justice charges

You may not have intentionally interfered with the judicial process. However, you can be charged with obstruction of justice if you are perceived to have pressured someone involved in a criminal investigation to take actions including:

  • Withholding information
  • Concealing evidence
  • Missing a court appearance

Asking a relative to help you resolve a domestic violence charge can get you arrested for obstruction of justice. Urging someone to skip a hearing can have the same result. You may not think you have committed a crime, but charges of obstruction are easily constructed.

Reasons you may be accused of witness tampering

The crime of witness tampering is not limited to bribery. Many witness tampering charges arise from domestic violence cases. Couples often attempt to reconcile, and one party may urge the other to recant previous statements or to drop the complaint altogether. However, these actions can be interpreted as witness tampering. You can be charged with this crime if you:

  • Use intimidation to prevent a person from aiding a criminal investigation or prosecution
  • Give false information about a suspect under investigation

You might not have meant to be intimidating when you asked your wife to reconsider her accusation. Likewise, your wife might be trying to help the situation when she changes her story at your suggestion. Still, you will both be subject to charges of witness tampering.

How to avoid charges of obstruction and tampering

Never take matters into your own hands. If you have reconciled with the person involved in your domestic violence case:

  • Do not ask your accuser to take or avoid any action at all.
  • Do not ask the police to give you a break
  • Do not ask the prosecutor to drop your charges.

Let Ogden criminal defense attorney Harold Stone do the talking for you.

Get help removing charges of interfering with justice

Even if your actions were well-intended, you need vigorous defense when you are charged with obstruction of justice or witness tampering. Call Harold Stone today at 1-801-913-7055, or contact the firm online to schedule your initial consultation.