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Obstruction of Justice Charges in Florida: Penalties and Working with a Lawyer
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Obstruction of Justice Charges in Florida: Penalties and Working with a Lawyer
Being charged with obstruction of justice in Florida can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and the laws are complicated. This article will explain what obstruction of justice means in Florida, what the penalties are, and why working with a lawyer is so important if you’ve been charged.
What is Obstruction of Justice in Florida?
Obstruction of justice refers to interfering with an official investigation or court proceeding
. Florida law lists many actions that can be considered obstruction of justice in Chapter 843 of the Florida Statutes
. Here are some examples:
- Resisting arrest with or without violence
- Providing false information to the police
- Destroying or hiding evidence
- Trying to influence or threaten witnesses
- Helping someone escape from jail
Basically, anything you do to try to prevent the police, prosecutors, or court from finding out the truth can be obstruction of justice. You don’t actually have to succeed in obstructing justice to be charged with this crime – just making the attempt is enough
.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice in Florida
The penalties for obstruction of justice depend on exactly what you did. Simple obstruction charges like resisting arrest without violence or lying to the police are misdemeanors. More serious felonies include
:
- Resisting arrest with violence – up to 5 years in prison
- Helping a prisoner escape – up to 15 years in prison
- Impersonating a police officer – up to 30 years in prison
Misdemeanors can result in up to a year in jail. All obstruction of justice charges also carry fines up to $1000 or more
.If you are convicted of obstructing an investigation into a very serious crime like murder, you may face even higher penalties. The court can also order you to pay restitution if your actions caused financial losses.
Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer
Fighting obstruction of justice charges in Florida requires an aggressive defense lawyer. Here’s why:
- The laws are broad and complicated. There are many different actions defined as obstruction. An attorney can evaluate the evidence and figure out if the charges really fit.
- The penalties are extremely serious. Even a misdemeanor conviction can ruin your reputation and career. You need a lawyer fighting to get the charges dropped or reduced.
- Prosecutors take these charges very seriously. They will aggressively pursue obstruction cases and seek maximum penalties
6
. An experienced lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution.
- There may be defenses that apply to your case. For example, you can’t be guilty of obstruction for refusing to answer police questions in some situations. A lawyer knows how to argue these defenses.
The bottom line is you should never try to handle obstruction of justice charges alone. These allegations threaten your freedom, finances, and reputation. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights.
Working with an Obstruction of Justice Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with obstruction in Florida, here are some tips for working with a lawyer:
- Be honest. Don’t hold anything back from your attorney. They need to know the full story to build the best defense. What you tell your lawyer is confidential.
- Follow their advice. Your lawyer knows how to get the best result in your case. Go along with their recommended strategy, even if you don’t fully understand it.
- Ask questions. Make sure you understand what’s happening at each step of the process. Your lawyer should clearly explain your options.
- Trust their judgment. Hire an attorney you feel comfortable with, then rely on their knowledge and experience handling obstruction cases.
- Be patient. These cases take time to resolve. Avoid pressuring your lawyer to rush or take risks – that can backfire.
- Stay positive. Try to focus on other areas of your life and keep up hope. With an experienced lawyer, many obstruction cases end well.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Not every lawyer has the skills to take on obstruction charges. Here’s how to find the best attorney for your case:
- Look for experience. Find lawyers who regularly handle obstruction of justice and other criminal cases. Check their track record in winning dismissals, acquittals, or reduced charges.
- Consider resources. Bigger law firms may have more money to spend on investigators, forensic experts, and research that can help build your defense.
- Read reviews. Talk to people the lawyer has represented in obstruction or criminal cases. Were they satisfied? Did the lawyer get a good result?
- Meet with lawyers. Schedule consultations with a few attorneys to talk about your case. Pay attention to how they communicate with you.
- Ask about fees. Defense lawyers charge hourly, flat fees, or payment plans. Make sure their rates fit your budget.
With an experienced Florida obstruction of justice lawyer on your side, you have an excellent chance of avoiding harsh penalties. Don’t take chances – get skilled legal help immediately if you’ve been charged.
References
https://www.muscalaw.com/criminal-defense/obstructing-justice
https://www.pallegarlawfirm.com/obstructing-justice-in-florida.html
https://www.gabriellawteam.com/obstruction-of-justice/
https://www.kevinkuliklaw.com/obstruction-of-justice-charges-in-florida/
https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/obstruction-of-justice.html
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED311449.pdfhttps://www.pallegarlawfirm.com/obstructing-justice-in-florida.html