18 Aug Obstructing Criminal Investigations or Prosecutions in Arizona
Getting in the way of law enforcement or interfering in the judicial process can land you in some hot water. Lying in the course of an investigation, bribing officials or witnesses, and several other actions can be considered an obstruction of justice in Arizona. This is a felony offense, and if you get caught you could end up serving a prison sentence.
What Does It Mean to Obstruct an Investigation or the Prosecution of a Case?
According to the Arizona penal code, anyone who knowingly obstructs a criminal investigation or the prosecution of a criminal case has broken the law. Obstruction of justice means using bribery, misrepresentation, intimidation, or force to stop pertinent information from reaching the proper parties (investigating officers, the judge in a court case, etc.).
Examples of obstruction include:
- Threatening a witness in order to get them to retract their testimony or stop them from appearing on the stand.
- Lying under oath as a witness in a criminal case (also known as perjury).
- Destroying evidence before it can be discovered by investigators or used in court.
- Making false statements or providing false documents during an investigation.
- Bribing witnesses to make false statements to investigators or on the stand.
- Causing an unreasonable delay in providing essential documentation.
Punishments for Obstructing the Criminal Justice System
Obstructing a criminal investigation or the prosecution of a criminal case is a class 5 felony. However, in cases where the intent of obstructing justice was to assist or promote a street gang, it is a class 3 felony.
Class 5 and Class 3 felonies have different prison terms, depending on the number of previous felony convictions.
Class 5 Felonies
- First-time offenders: 6 months to over 2 years
- Second-time offenders: 1 year to over 3 years
- Three or more convictions: 3 years to over 7 years
Class 3 Felonies
- First-time offenders: 2 years to over 8 years
- Second-time offenders: 3 years to over 16 years
- Three or more convictions: 7 years to 25 years
Besides prison time, there are also fines and fees, as well as new limits on your civil rights. And even after serving time, a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment and housing.
- Fines, fees, and restitution are calculated by the judge during sentencing. Fines for a felony can be up to $150,000, while fees and restitution depend on the specifics of the case.
- The loss of civil rights such as voting in elections, obtaining certain professional licenses, or possessing a firearm.
- Impacts on your personal life are common, because felony convictions affect your relationships. They can also make it difficult to find housing or gain employment.
If You’re Facing Felony Charges, You Need a Certified Defense Attorney
The punishments for a felony conviction will have a lasting impact on your life.
If you have been charged with obstructing an investigation or court proceedings, you need a certified defense attorney on your side to:
- Help you build a strong defense
- Ensure your rights are upheld during the process
- Handle the complicated paperwork
- Help you navigate the justice system
At Todd Coolidge Law Firm, we believe that every case matters. With our experienced attorneys on your side, you stand a far better chance than with an overworked public defender. We treat every case we take on with respect, and we’re committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
If you are facing felony charges, don’t delay—contact us today for a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/17/25). Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash