In the state of Wisconsin, obstruction of justice is a crime – but it’s not one specific crime. The term can refer to any action that prevents a law enforcement officer or any other agent of the law from doing his or her job. (Agents of the law include prosecutors, judges, probation officers and a variety of other people whose duty is to uphold Wisconsin and federal laws.) Obstruction of justice can refer to things like:
- Lying to a police officer
- Resisting arrest
- Lying in court
- Preventing police from chasing someone or gathering evidence
- Hiding, tampering with or destroying evidence
There are other actions that could count as obstruction, too, so if you’re not sure why you’ve been charged with this crime, it’s probably a good idea to talk to a Milwaukee obstruction attorney as soon as you can. He or she will be able to explain the situation to you and help you start moving forward.
What Kind of Crime is Obstruction of Justice in Wisconsin?
Obstruction of justice can be a misdemeanor or felony in Wisconsin. For example, it’s a Class H felony if:
- You knowingly give false information with the intent to mislead an officer, or you place physical evidence somewhere with the intent to mislead an officer
- False information or physical evidence you provide is presented as truth in court and leads to an innocent person’s conviction
- You flee or hide from an officer
Do You Need Legal Help for Obstruction?
You could go to jail if the court convicts you of obstruction, so if you think you may have made a mistake, or if you lied to police (either on purpose or accidentally), you may want to talk to an attorney right away. Gamino Law Offices may be able to help you – just call us at 414-383-6700 to schedule your free consultation now.
