Miami Obstruction of Justice Defense Lawyers

Obstruction of justice is one of the most commonly charged federal crimes against the government. Obstruction of justice may encompass many different crimes. For example, obstruction of justice could include attempting to persuade a witness to testify to certain facts, lying to a federal agent, or attempting to destroy evidence subject to a federal investigation.

Obstruction of justice is generally charged with other federal criminal offenses and can carry penalties ranging from five years in prison to life in prison, depending on the facts of the specific case. In addition, if you are not a United States citizen, obstruction of justice may subject you to removal from the United States. Therefore, it is wise to consult an experience federal criminal defense attorney to represent you on this serious charge and, if you are not a United States citizen, you may need an immigration attorney as well. The attorneys at Hubbs Law Firm practice both criminal and immigration law; we can help you navigate the legal system.

Call Hubbs Law Firm at (305) 570-4802 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation with our Miami obstruction of justice defense attorneys.

 Why Choose Hubbs Law Firm?

If you were arrested for obstruction of justice in Miami or throughout Florida, you should immediately contact an experienced criminal defense attorney.

At Hubbs Law Firm, our attorneys, E.J. and Erika Hubbs, have substantial experience in criminal law. As former prosecutors, they had the opportunity to gain invaluable trial experience. In addition, E.J. Hubbs is Board Certified in Criminal Trial Law by the Florida Bar. This certification is qualifies him as an expert in criminal trial law, an honor held by less than 1% of the attorneys in Florida.

Hubbs Law Firm handles all types of federal crimes in Miami and throughout Miami-Dade County, including Kendall, Pinecrest, Miami Beach, South Miami, Doral, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead, and anywhere else in the area.

Contact us today to immediately speak with a qualified attorney who can discuss the facts of your case and advise you of any legal defenses that may be applicable to your case. We offer free initial consultations for all criminal cases; call today to schedule your appointment.

Elements for Obstruction of Justice

Obstruction of Justice can be charged under either 18 U.S.C. 1503 or 1505. Under 18 U.S.C. 1503, a defendant can be convicted of obstruction of justice if the government proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly and corruptly attempted to or actually influenced, intimidated, or imped a juror in performing his or her duties. The juror must also be serving in the underlying court with respect to a class A, class B, or felony criminal case.

The crime basically requires the defendant to take some means or action for the purpose of attempting to sway a juror’s or a jury’s decision in the pending case. The crime is an intentional crime, which means the defendant had to have the specific intent to influence, intimidate, or imped the jury or juror.

Obstruction of justice can also be charged under 18 U.S.C. 1505 for any individual who corruptly or by threat or force obstructs or impedes the due and proper administration of law under which any pending proceeding is being had before any department or agency in the United States. This could pertain to obstruction of law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, or federal departments, such as the Department of Homeland Security.

In addition, to these crimes, individuals can be charged with obstruction of justice-related offenses, such as bribery or tampering with a witness.

Penalties for Obstruction of Justice

Under federal law, if a defendant is convicted for obstruction of justice, he faces the following possible incarceration:

• 0-5 years, if convicted under 18 U.S.C. 1505
• 0-8 years, if offense involves international or domestic terrorism under 18 U.S.C. 1505
• 0-10 years, if offense involved obstruction of justice involving a juror 18 U.S.C. 1503
• 0-20 years, if offense involved obstruction of justice involving an attempted killing of a juror 18 U.S.C. 1503
• Subject to penalties for U.S.C. 1111 and 1112, if offense involved obstruction of justice involved the actual killing of a juror under 18 U.S.C. 1503

In addition to incarceration, a defendant could receive probation, fines, civil penalties, and immigration consequences.

Contact Hubbs Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you were charged with obstruction of justice in Florida, you should contact a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney. Our Miami obstruction of justice attorneys defend clients charged with all types of crimes against the government in Miami and throughout Miami-Dade County and beyond.

At Hubbs Law Firm, your first consultation is always free for federal criminal defense cases. Call (305) 570-4802 today to schedule your free consultation.

Additional Resources

• District Court for the Southern District of Florida – Find information for every court location in the Southern District of Florida, attorney information, judge information, and case information.
• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) – The FBI is the federal law enforcement agency in charge of enforcing numerous federal crimes including terrorism, counterintelligence, cybercrime, civil rights violations, corruption, organized crime, white collar crime, violent crime, and more.
• United States Marshalls – The United States Marshalls are the law enforcement agency in charge of enforcing orders of federal courts in the United States. This includes providing security in the courtroom and executing fugitive warrants.
• Bureau of Justice Statistics – Find information on statistics for all types of crimes including arrests and convictions for Obstruction of Justice.