Providing Criminal Defense For Obstruction Of Justice Charges
A criminal charge for obstruction of justice and the case that follows can be tremendously complex and difficult to understand. Sapone & Petrillo, LLP, has worked with clients throughout New York dealing with these situations. Having an experienced and skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side is the best way to get yourself over this hurdle.
What Is An Obstruction Of Justice Crime?
When someone is under oath, they are required by law to tell the truth. When it is uncovered that they might not have been fully transparent, they can be charged with an obstruction of justice crime. When a client testifies to a grand jury, agent or prosecutor, they are instructed that they must be honest and they take an oath to tell the truth. Unfortunately, the truth isn’t always straightforward. It’s also possible to be charged with obstruction of justice if you have influenced a juror, retaliated against a witness or tampered with a victim.
Evidence In An Obstruction Of Justice Case
An obstruction of justice case can be brought in different ways, based on the specifics of the circumstances. In general, the prosecutor does not have to prove any actual obstruction. They just have to show that there was an attempt to obstruct justice. The mere intention is enough to get a guilty verdict. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it is easy to throw these accusations around. On the other hand, it is difficult to prove. When it comes to evidence, some might use recorded conversations and written letters. Having a strong defense attorney is crucial as these cases are rarely straightforward.
The Penalties Could Impact Your Future
The consequences for a conviction of obstruction of justice could lead to fines or jail time. The time behind bars ranges from five years to 10 years, depending on the case. If you have been accused of obstructing justice in the federal court system and found guilty of federal charges, the court must follow strict sentencing guidelines. The court is very specific about these charges, which is why it is important that you have an experienced federal criminal attorney represent you.
Trust Our Reliable And Communicative Defense Attorneys
If you find yourself in this situation, it is important not to panic. Our team is professional, empathetic and honest. We will always be upfront with you about where your expectations should be. Furthermore, we will do everything we can to defend your rights. Communication, in these cases, is key. The best way to protect your future is to discuss your options with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later.
Have You Been Charged With Obstruction Of Justice? Call Now.
No matter what kind of criminal charges you are facing, our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys can help. Call our office at 212-349-9000 or send an email through our online form to schedule an appointment today.