Defending Clients Against Obstruction of Justice Allegations in Austin
You might think that obstruction of justice is a simple misdemeanor, like loitering. The fact is that obstruction of justice charges cover a wide variety of different crimes. Some of these crimes carry the potential of spending years in prison. Do not leave your legal rights unprotected. Be sure to hire an experienced lawyer to represent you on any obstruction of justice charges.
Obstruction of justice does not refer to one specific crime. Rather, it is a broad category that covers many different misdemeanor and felony charges. The penalties for these charges vary greatly, depending on the severity of the offense. This is why it is important for you to work with an Austin defense lawyer who has experience with the specific charges you are facing.
Types of Obstruction of Justice Offenses
Chapter 38 of the Texas Penal Code outlines a variety of offenses that obstruct government operation. Among other offenses, these include:
- Failure to identify yourself to a law enforcement officer after being lawfully arrested or detained
- Resisting arrest, transportation, or searches by law enforcement officers
- Evading arrest or detention
- Hindering apprehension or prosecution
- Escape (and permitting or facilitation escape)
- Bail jumping and failure to appear in court when summoned
- Improper contact with a victim
- Unauthorized absence from a community corrections facility, county correctional center or assignment site
- Providing, introducing or possessing contraband in a correctional facility
- Engaging in the unauthorized practice of law
- Hindering proceedings by disorderly conduct
- Taking or attempting to take a weapon from an officer
- Interference with public duties or police service animals
- Preventing execution of civil process
- Failure to report a felony
The Penalties for Obstruction of Justice
Each of the offenses above is classified differently, based upon the severity of the offense. The classification of the crime dictates what sentence you will face. As you can imagine, defendants face more serious penalties for taking a weapon from a corrections officer than for failing to report something they should have. The less serious misdemeanors might not even carry the possibility of jail time. But several of these offenses are serious felonies, and defendants face years in prison if they are convicted.
Your attorney will have the opportunity to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor. A plea deal can drastically reduce the possible sentence you face. Your attorney will also have the chance to argue for a more lenient sentence within the proscribed sentencing range to your assigned judge. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you are aware that you are the subject of a criminal investigation. Having the knowledge of an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side can dramatically mitigate the consequences of a conviction for obstruction of justice.
The Right Austin Defense Lawyers for All Obstruction of Justice Charges
You don’t have to face any criminal charges on your own. For over 25 years, the experienced Austin criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller, P.C., have been protecting the constitutional rights of Travis County residents. Call 512-474-9999 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a skilled Texas defense attorney.