Obstruction of Justice Defense Attorney in DuPage County

Lawyers Defending Clients Charged With Obstructing Justice in Oak Brook, Wheaton and Westmont

Facing criminal charges can be a frightening prospect. While people have rights in criminal cases, there are also certain legal procedures that must be followed, and attempting to hinder these procedures can result in further criminal charges for obstruction of justice.

At Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C., our criminal defense attorneys have more than 25 years of experience providing our clients with defense in criminal cases. We can help you understand the criminal charges that you may be facing and make sure that you avoid the possible consequences that can result from obstructing justice.

Obstruction of Justice Under Illinois Law

A person can be charged with obstruction of justice if they attempt to illegally influence a criminal investigation or prosecution. Illinois law defines the following types of obstruction:

• Destroying, concealing, or altering evidence, planting false evidence, or providing false information to law enforcement officers or prosecutors. A person may be charged with obstruction if they give a false name to police officers or if they attempt to hide evidence that could be used against them in a criminal case. A person can also face obstruction charges if they destroy evidence which could be used to exonerate a suspect.
• Tampering with a witness. If a person attempts to prevent a person from acting as a witness in a criminal case, this is considered obstruction. It is illegal to threaten or bribe a witness to leave the state of Illinois or conceal themselves from police officers or prosecutors.
• Avoiding testimony. A person who has knowledge of a criminal case may be charged with obstruction if they attempt to avoid serving as a witness by concealing themselves or leaving the state of Illinois.
• Providing false information about missing or deceased children. The parent or guardian of a child under the age of 13 may face obstruction charges if they give any false information to police officers, prosecutors, medical examiners, or any other government officials about their child's death or disappearance.

Penalties for Obstruction of Justice

Obstruction of justice is a Class 4 felony in Illinois, and it can be punished by one to three years of imprisonment. If the obstruction occurred as part of gang-related activity (such as a gang member threatening a witness or one gang member providing false information to police in an attempt to protect another gang member from prosecution), it is a Class 3 felony, punishable by two to five years of imprisonment. All felonies carry a maximum fine of $25,000.

Contact an Elmhurst Criminal Defense Lawyer

It is important to cooperate with law enforcement during an investigation, since attempts to influence the outcome of a criminal case may result in obstruction of justice charges. However, those facing criminal charges also have rights which must be protected, so it is important to work with an attorney who can help you understand how to communicate with police officers and prosecutors within the law without incriminating yourself. The skilled attorneys of Kathryn L. Harry & Associates, P.C. can work to protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible resolution to your case. Contact our Lombard criminal defense attorneys at 630-472-9700 to set up a free consultation. We serve clients in Hinsdale, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Westmont, and throughout DuPage, Kane, Will, and Cook Counties.