Is there a law that protects a father and son, or other relattives? Can a son be found guilty if he knew his father was hiding from the law, but never said anything?
2006-09-18 12:41:47 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It depends on the state you live in. In some you would not be held responsible for not telling on "blood" relatives. In other states it does not matter, you ARE required to report them or you will be charged with harboring a fugitive.
2006-09-18 12:50:42 · answer #1 · answered by Jimdog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes a son can be found guilty. Aiding and abetting a felon is a criminal offence. People can be, and are, prosecuted for it. You can also be charged with being an accessory after the fact and obstruction of justice among other offences. Relatives are not protected at all. The only protection which exists, and which varies from jursidiction to jurisdiction is that a wife cannot be compelled to give evidence against her husband unless it is evidence of spousal or child abuse.
2006-09-18 13:10:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes realistically, but never charged I would have to say first what did he do that the police are looking for him. Next I would have to say that this is a call that you will have to live with. I would say that if you are bothered by this which it sounds like you are. Then you need to make an anonymous phone call. That way you don't have to say who you are. I recommend you do this from a payphone. Good luck and best wishes with the decision you make.
2006-09-18 12:53:04 · answer #3 · answered by Barry G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is called "Aiding and Abetting/Accessory":
(From FIndLaw)
"A criminal charge of aiding and abetting or accessory can usually be brought against anyone who helps in the commission of a crime, though legal distinctions vary by state. A person charged with aiding and abetting or accessory is usually not present when the crime itself is committed, but he or she has knowledge of the crime before or after the fact, and may assist in its commission through advice, actions, or financial support. Depending on the degree of involvement, the offender's participation in the crime may rise to the level of conspiracy.
For example, Andy draws a floor plan of a bank, knowing of Dan's intention to rob it. After Dan commits the robbery, Alice agrees to let him store the stolen money at her house. Both Andy and Alice can be charged with aiding and abetting, or acting as accessories to the robbery."
2006-09-18 12:51:29 · answer #4 · answered by veraperezp 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been cases where a father was convicted for not turning in his son, so the reverse is not unreasonable.
It all depends on the jurisdiction (state/country) and what the specific circumstances are. When in doubt, consult an attorney.
2006-09-18 12:44:41 · answer #5 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He possibly could be, however, it is unlikely that someone would prosecute for that. Jurors would be sympathetic to the son and there are arguments that I don't have time to articulate here, but the father and son relationship would possibly be used as a defense (undue influence).
2006-09-18 12:47:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is helping to hide him, it is possible for him to be charged with that. It is not normally done, but if the police beleive he knows where the father is, they are known to arrest him in an attempt to get that info
2006-09-18 13:58:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The age of the son would definately be a factor in the answer to that question
2006-09-18 12:49:07 · answer #8 · answered by pittiesrock 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Varies from state to state but generally, if you knew your father was wanted by law enforcement and provide him any assistance, you could be charged.
2006-09-18 12:51:39 · answer #9 · answered by jack w 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes he can. That called harboring a fugitive or aiding and abetting.
2006-09-18 16:02:34 · answer #10 · answered by Apostolic Girl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋