Joshua London Represents Those Facing Obstruction of Justice Charges in Minnesota.
Preventing a law officer, firefighter or any other government employee from carrying out their official duties may amount to obstruction of justice in Minnesota. The offense is defined under MN Statute 609.50 and carries significant penalties, including jail time and/or monetary fines.
What Is Obstruction of Justice in Minnesota?
Under Minnesota law, a person commits the offense of obstruction of justice when they interfere with or obstruct police, state or federal investigations. It can include a wide range of acts, such as:
- Preventing the lawful execution of a legal process, such as an eviction notice by a bailiff
- Obstructing the arrest of any person
- Interfering with a firefighter or peace officer in the conduct of their duties
- Preventing ambulance service crew from doing their job; or
- Using for or threat of force to prevent employees of the Department of Revenue from carrying out their official duties.
The offense may also be committed when a person falsely reports a crime, lies to a police officer while being questioned or attempts to bribe a law officer.
Penalties for Obstruction of Justice
Obstruction of justice is regarded as a serious offense in Minnesota and may attract significant penalties. However, the penalties for the offense may vary, depending on the circumstances involved.
Where a defendant knows or has reason to know that death, serious injury or property damage would result from their actions, the offense attracts up to 5 years’ jail time. The defendant may also be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
If the act constituting the offense involved the use of force or violence or the threat of force or violence, the offense is punishable by up to 1 year in jail or a fine of $3,000 or both.
In all other cases, obstruction of justice will attract a punishment of up to 90 days’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
Contact an Obstruction of Justice Attorney
If you are being investigated or have been arrested on a charge of obstructing justice, contact our Minnesota criminal defense team immediately online, by phone or in person!