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Aggressive. Experienced.
Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Former Cook County Felony Prosecutor
Federal Obstruction of Justice
Facing Federal Obstruction of Justice Charges? Andrew M. Weisberg Can Defend Your Rights
Obstruction of justice is a serious federal crime that involves interfering with the administration of law and justice. This can include actions such as tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses, lying to law enforcement, or attempting to impede an investigation. Federal obstruction of justice charges carry severe penalties, including substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and a permanent criminal record. If you are facing federal obstruction of justice charges, it is crucial to have an experienced defense attorney like Andrew M. Weisberg on your side to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome.
Understanding Obstruction of Justice Under U.S. Law
Federal obstruction of justice is prosecuted under various statutes, primarily 18 U.S. Code § 1503 (Influencing or Injuring Officer or Juror), 18 U.S. Code § 1505 (Obstruction of Proceedings), and 18 U.S. Code § 1512 (Tampering with a Witness, Victim, or Informant). These laws make it illegal to obstruct, influence, or impede any official proceeding, whether it is a court case, an investigation, or a government inquiry.
Types of Obstruction of Justice:
Witness Tampering: Intimidating, bribing, or threatening a witness to alter their testimony or prevent them from testifying.
Evidence Tampering: Destroying, altering, or fabricating evidence that is relevant to an investigation or legal proceeding.
Influencing Jurors: Attempting to influence or intimidate jurors in any way to affect the outcome of a trial.
Lying to Federal Agents: Providing false information or lying to federal law enforcement officers during an investigation.
Interfering with Investigations: Taking any actions that delay, hinder, or obstruct the course of a federal investigation or legal proceeding.
Penalties for Federal Obstruction of Justice
The penalties for federal obstruction of justice are severe and can have long-lasting consequences. Depending on the specific charges, penalties can include:
Imprisonment: Penalties can range up to 10 years in federal prison, with longer sentences possible if the obstruction involved threats or physical force.
Fines: Fines can reach up to $250,000 or more, depending on the severity of the offense and its impact on the investigation or legal proceedings.
Supervised Release: Following imprisonment, the defendant may be subject to a period of supervised release.
Restitution: The court may order the defendant to pay restitution for any financial losses or damages incurred as a result of the obstruction.
Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction for obstruction of justice will result in a permanent federal criminal record, which can affect your ability to secure employment, obtain loans, and more.
Related Federal Offenses
In addition to obstruction of justice, individuals may face related charges under federal law, which can compound the penalties:
Perjury (18 U.S. Code § 1621): Lying under oath during legal proceedings or in sworn statements, often associated with obstruction cases.
Conspiracy (18 U.S. Code § 371): Conspiring with others to obstruct justice or impede a federal investigation or proceeding.
Contempt of Court (18 U.S. Code § 401): Disobeying or disrespecting a court’s authority, often linked to obstruction of justice.
Obstruction of Criminal Investigations (18 U.S. Code § 1510): Willfully obstructing, delaying, or preventing communication of information relating to a violation of any criminal statute.
Consequences of a Federal Obstruction of Justice Conviction
A conviction for federal obstruction of justice can have devastating and far-reaching consequences:
Long-Term Incarceration: Lengthy prison sentences can severely disrupt your life, causing financial hardship and emotional stress for you and your family.
Financial Penalties: In addition to fines and restitution, the financial burden of a conviction can leave you struggling to rebuild your life.
Damage to Reputation: A federal conviction for obstruction of justice can severely damage your personal and professional reputation, making it difficult to regain trust in your community.
Loss of Professional Licenses: Certain professionals, especially those in legal or governmental roles, may lose their licenses or certifications following a conviction.
Loss of Civil Rights: Convicted felons lose certain civil rights, including the right to vote, the right to own firearms, and eligibility for certain government benefits.
Defending Against Obstruction of Justice Charges
Successfully defending against federal obstruction of justice charges requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Andrew M. Weisberg will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case, scrutinizing the evidence and questioning the validity of the prosecution’s claims. Some potential defense strategies may include:
Lack of Intent: The prosecution must prove that you knowingly and willfully obstructed justice. If there was no intent to impede or obstruct, this could be a strong defense.
Challenging the Evidence: Andrew may challenge the credibility of the evidence, such as witness testimony or recordings, that the prosecution is using to build their case.
No Impact on the Investigation: If the alleged obstruction did not actually interfere with the investigation or proceeding, the charges may not hold.
Misunderstanding or Miscommunication: If the actions that led to the obstruction charges were the result of a misunderstanding or miscommunication, Andrew may use this to challenge the charges.
Procedural Defenses: Andrew may challenge the legality of the investigation, including whether law enforcement violated your rights during the gathering of evidence.
Why Choose Andrew M. Weisberg as Your Defense Attorney?
Andrew M. Weisberg is a seasoned criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling federal offenses, including obstruction of justice charges. His background as a former Cook County prosecutor gives him unique insights into how these cases are built and prosecuted, allowing him to anticipate the prosecution’s strategies and develop a robust defense on your behalf.
When you choose Andrew as your defense attorney, you benefit from:
Comprehensive Legal Knowledge: Andrew’s deep understanding of federal obstruction of justice laws ensures that your case will be handled with the utmost competence and care.
Aggressive Defense Strategies: Andrew is known for his relentless and proactive defense tactics, exploring every possible angle to protect your rights.
Personalized Attention: Andrew provides each client with individualized attention, ensuring that your specific circumstances and needs are fully addressed.
The Importance of Early Legal Intervention
If you have been charged with federal obstruction of justice, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Early intervention by a skilled attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Andrew M. Weisberg will take immediate action to protect your rights, gather evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Andrew M. Weisberg: Committed to Your Defense
Facing charges of federal obstruction of justice can be overwhelming and stressful. Andrew M. Weisberg is committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation throughout the entire process. He will keep you informed at every stage, answer all your questions, and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.
Contact the Law Offices of Andrew M. Weisberg Today
If you have been arrested or charged with federal obstruction of justice, don’t delay in seeking legal representation. Andrew M. Weisberg is available 24/7 to discuss your case and provide the immediate assistance you need.
Contact Andrew today for a free, confidential consultation:
Phone: Call (773) 908-9811 anytime, day or night.
Online: Fill out the Case Review form on our website, and we will get back to you promptly.
Remember, the sooner you have an experienced attorney on your side, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Let Andrew M. Weisberg put his expertise to work for you.
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