Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:22 pm

Concealing a Fugitive: A Serious Crime with Severe Consequences

Helping a Fugitive? You Could Face Criminal Charges

Think again if you believe that assisting a fugitive from law authorities is only an act of compassion. It is not only ethically terrible, but it is also a federal offence punishable by imprisonment. Anyone who takes steps to impede the apprehension of a fugitive may face criminal charges for hiding them, according to federal law. That is not all. Similar charges are also provided for under various state statutes, making it a serious offence with serious implications.

What Constitutes Harboring a Wanted Fugitive in a Federal Investigation?

Harboring a fugitive is a serious offense, especially in a federal criminal investigation. It means knowingly hiding a person from an investigation who is actively wanted by federal authorities. So, if you help a fugitive escape, you could be charged with a federal crime.

Who is Considered a Fugitive from Justice Under Federal Law?

It is critical to understand that being a fugitive from justice does not only imply escaping from prison, while under arrest, or while being questioned by police authorities. It refers to a person who is the subject of a federal indictment or information who fails to appear for a hearing after a federal court issues a bench warrant.

Understanding the Specifics of the Crime of Concealing a Fugitive Under Federal Law

If you are accused with sheltering a fugitive, the prosecution must show particular aspects of the offence in order to condemn you. These aspects are outlined by federal code, 18 U.S.C. 1071, and a conviction carries serious consequences.

Penalties for Concealing a Fugitive Under Federal Law

The federal statutes that define criminal conduct regarding fugitives from justice carry different penalties for different types of illegal conduct. It is essential to understand the laws and penalties applicable to your case to mount a robust defense.

Why You Need a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Law enforcement is protected by law when they are seeking to arrest an individual for allegedly committing a crime. If you are facing charges for allegedly helping someone evade law enforcement, it is essential to speak to an attorney right away. Our experienced federal criminal defense lawyers can help you understand the laws and penalties applicable to your case and defend your rights. Don’t wait, contact us today.

Concealing Someone From Arrest: What You Need to Know?

When assisting someone to avoid arrest, it is critical to understand the legal ramifications. Under 18 U.S.C. 1071, hiding a person from arrest is prohibited and can result in serious consequences such as fines and imprisonment.

What is Concealing Someone from Arrest?

Concealing a person from arrest involves harboring or hiding someone who has an arrest warrant issued under United States law, with the intention of preventing their discovery and arrest. If the case involves a felony charge or conviction, the penalties include fines, imprisonment, or both.

This charge can also be filed at the state level for helping someone evade state law enforcement agencies. It becomes a federal charge when the person evading arrest is wanted for a federal charge, and the individual helping them knows that they are facing arrest or criminal charges.

The Elements of the Crime

A conviction requires the proof of several elements of the crime, including the issuance of a federal warrant for the person’s arrest, knowledge of the warrant by the person concealing them, actual concealment of the fugitive from law enforcement, and the intent to prevent the fugitive’s discovery or arrest.

Simply put, if you were aware of an arrest warrant and yet took actions to assist someone in avoiding arrest, you may be found guilty of hiding a person from arrest.

Related Federal Crimes

Several related crimes fall under the umbrella of this chapter, including concealing escaped prisoners, flight to avoid prosecution, and flight to avoid prosecution for damaging or destroying property. These crimes can give alternative legal theories or allow for negotiations for pleas to potentially lesser offenses.

Assisting or instigating escape can also be charged if you provide an inmate assistance to escape from lawful custody, with penalties varying based on the type of crime.