Obstruction of Justice and Perjury

When there is a crime, law enforcement officials work very hard to gather evidence so that they can figure out the perpetrator of the crime

. "Gathering evidence" can include listening to people's testimonies as well as finding physical or computer information regarding the crime. Later, this evidence is presented in court as part of the building of the case. If you hinder either of these steps, you can be charged with obstruction of justice or perjury.

Generally, obstruction of justice differs from perjury in that it applies to elected officials who disrupt the examination of a case. This includes judges, prosecutors, attorneys general, and other people who were elected to their position. Although you have the right to remain silent, some elected officials will lie to the police and other law enforcement officials. This does not always apply if you are lying to protect a suspect, but it can apply if you destroy any evidence relevant to the case, even if you have not been asked to provide the evidence.

On the other hand, regular citizens can be charged with perjury, also called lying under oath. This is more serious for state and federal courts, but less so in civil cases. This is because a person can claim that they lied under oath because it was their own perception of what happened. For instance, if your testimony on the witness stand includes seeing a man in a red cap rob the store, but in reality it was a woman in a blue hat, you can argue that the stress of the moment caused you to misremember.

Falsified information must be relevant to the case in order to count as perjury. As an example, if you lie about your height, this may not count as perjury unless the your height is relevant to the case. If this deliberate lie, under oath, could potentially affect the outcome of the case, you can be charged with perjury.

Perjury and obstruction of justice can be difficult crimes for prosecutors to prove, especially if you have an experienced criminal defense lawyer by your side. If you have been charged with perjury or another such crime, you should contact a Dallas criminal defense attorney from the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter today.

Obstruction of Justice and Perjury

By: Michael Enfield

POST COMMENT

How Kerberos Works and What Are Its Benefits? Here Best Promos In Scottsdale: Beds, Take Out, Gratification And Clubbing The argument between Muhammad's daughter and her husband You And The Purpose Of Life As It Applies To Order Water Run Off And Your Lawn Sprinkler The Amateur Most Excellent Essentials When Understanding And Competing Countless Deductive Board Gam Morality and Rights The Ups And Downs Of Nebraska Long Term Care Policy To Attract And Receive One Has To Prepare 760 Club by Matthew Pillmore and John Deckys Glasses And Eyewear Dos And Donts For Your Air, Floor And More: Green Cleaning Seniors and Air Purifiers - How to Choose the Right Air Filter