Charges Involving Administration of Justice
Twin Cities Area Administration of Justice Crimes Lawyer
When a person is alleged to have interfered with the way law enforcement officers do their job or the way the court system works, he or she could face criminal charges. These are referred to as “crimes against the administration of justice.”
These charges may potentially seem minor, but they could have a serious impact on a person’s future. Some of these crimes could be classified as felonies, and a conviction could mean prison time and a criminal record. If you face charges for a crime involving the administration of justice, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to begin building your defense.
Apple Valley Administration of Justice Crimes Attorney
No matter the offense, Apple Valley administration of justice defense lawyer James Blumberg can help you fight the charges. James is a former prosecutor who has worked on both sides of the law in these cases. He understands what it takes to get a favorable outcome, whether that is having the charges reduced or dropped.
Call (952) 431-7758 to schedule a free consultation today. James Blumberg Law handles cases throughout Dakota County, including Burnsville, Eagan, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights and Rosemount, as well as anywhere in the Twin Cities region, including Hennepin County, Ramsey County and Anoka County.
Info About Administration of Justice Crimes
- What are Crimes Against the Administration of Justice?
- False Reports and Obstructing Legal Processes
- Aiding an Offender
- Solicitation of a Juvenile or Mentally Ill Person
- Additional Resources
What are Crimes Against the Administration of Justice?
Minnesota law outlines several acts that are considered against the administration of justice. These various offenses are things that interfere with the criminal justice process in some aspect. Some of the offenses include:
- Perjury;
- Escape from custody;
- Falsely reporting child abuse;
- Commission of a crime while wearing a bulletproof vest;
- Failure to appear;
- Concealing or engaging in concealing criminal proceeds;
- Warning subject of investigation or surveillance;
- Tampering with witness;
- Giving a police officer a false name; and
- Fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle.
These charges can range from misdemeanor offenses to serious felony crimes. The penalties for the offense vary based on several different factors. However, if a person is convicted of any of these crimes, he or she could face jail or prison sentences, expensive fines and other sanctions.
False Reports and Obstructing Legal Processes
Filing a false police report could be considered a criminal offense. According to Minnesota Statute 609.505, a person who informs a police officer of a crime that has been committed or provides information to an on-duty officer knowing it is false could be guilty of a misdemeanor. This could be punishable by up to 90 days in jail, $1,000 in fines or both.
If a person commits this act a second time and is convicted, he or she could be charged with a gross misdemeanor. This charge is more severe and could be punished by up to one year in jail, $3,000 in fines or both. Additional sanctions could apply, depending on the circumstances of the offense.
If someone falsely reports police misconduct, he or she could face up to the maximum penalties provided for a misdemeanor if the false information does not allege a criminal act. If the false information alleges a criminal act, the accuser could face the maximum penalties for a gross misdemeanor.
Obstructing the legal process, an arrest or firefighting also could constitute criminal charges. According to Minnesota Statute 609.50, if a person does the following, he or she could be arrested:
- Obstructs, hinders or prevents the lawful execution of any civil or criminal legal process;
- Obstructs, resists or interferes with a police officer while he or she is on duty;
- Interferes with or obstructs a firefighter while he or she is on duty;
- Obstructs a member of an emergency service while he or she is providing aid; and
- Obstructs an employee of the Department of Revenue by force or threat.
Obstructing a legal process generally is a crime punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both. However, there are some aggravating factors that could significantly increase the charges and the penalties.
If the act was accompanied by threat or force, it could be punishable by up to one year in prison, up to $3,000 in fines or both. If the person knew or had reason to know the act created a risk of or caused death, substantial bodily harm or serious property damage, he or she could face up to five years in jail, fines up to $10,000 or both.
Aiding an Offender
Aiding someone who committed a crime also is considered a crime involving administration of justice, according to Minnesota Statute 609.495. This could be considered a misdemeanor or a felony offense, depending on the act.
Whoever harbors, conceals or assists someone who has committed a felony offense with the intent that he or she will avoid arrest, trial, conviction or punishment, may face up to three years in prison, $5,000 in fines or both. This also applies if the person is on probation, parole or supervised release when an arrest warrant has been issued.
If someone destroys or conceals evidence, provides false information or somehow obstructs the investigation of a crime, he or she could be considered an accomplice after the fact. They could face up to one-half of the maximum prison sentence or the payment of a fine up to one-half of the maximum fine that could be imposed on a violent crime offender.
Solicitation of a Juvenile or Mentally Ill Person
If an adult solicits and conspires with a minor to commit a crime or is an accomplice to a minor in a crime or delinquent act, he or she could be charged with the same degree of the offense the two intended to commit, according to Minnesota Statute 609.494.
For example, if an adult and a minor conspire to commit a misdemeanor, the adult could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. If the intended criminal act is a felony or would be a felony if committed by an adult, the person may be sentenced to up to one-half the statutory maximum prison term for the intended criminal act.
These laws also would apply if a person solicits a mentally impaired person to commit a crime, according to Minnesota Statute 609.493. The law defines a mentally impaired person as someone who as a result of inadequately developed or impaired intelligence or a substantial psychiatric disorder of thought or mood, lacks the judgment to give a reasoned consent to commit the criminal act.
Additional Resources
Child Protection and Child Welfare Processes — The Minnesota Department of Human Services explains the process that is followed when allegations of child abuse are made against a person. If the report is false, the accuser could face criminal charges.
National Alliance on Mental Illness — The Minnesota chapter of this national organization advocates for public policy to enhance public safety and reduce the disproportionate contact of people with mental illnesses with the criminal justice system.
James Blumberg Law – An Administration of Justice Crime Defense Lawyer in Dakota County
When you need an experienced and dedicated attorney to help combat criminal charges, contact James Blumberg Law. Dakota County administration of justice attorney James Blumberg has years of experience and sophisticated knowledge with these types of charges. Call (952) 431-7758 for a free initial consultation to discuss the charges against you and your best options to fight them.
James Blumberg Law also represents clients throughout the greater Dakota County area including Scott County, Rice County, Sibley County, Carver County, Dodge County, Steele County, and Olmsted County.