What is the penalty for obstruction of justice?

In Virginia, obstruction of justice is a serious offense that has a wide range of penalties. Depending on the severity of the crime, an offender could face fines, jail time, or both. If the offender commits an act of obstruction of justice (such as interfering with a police investigation or lying to authorities) that does not involve violence and has no prior criminal convictions, then the penalty could be a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to twelve months in jail. If the offender does commit an act of obstruction of justice that involves violence, or if he has been convicted of a prior offense, then the penalty is a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to twenty-four months in jail. Often, prosecutors can be more lenient when it comes to obstruction of justice. In these cases, the offender may be able to avoid jail time by pleading guilty and paying a fine to avoid a trial. Overall, obstruction of justice is a serious offense that can have serious consequences in Virginia. Those accused of this crime should seek legal help as soon as possible to ensure they are getting fair treatment and the best possible outcome.

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