While in jail, during a bible study, another inmate confessed he murder someone and other details like the location of the gun.
2007-01-27 03:27:13 · 19 answers · asked by Thomas H 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Its called accessory after the fact, and yes you can also be charged with the crime if you hold details about it.
2007-01-27 03:37:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not against the law to withhold the information in most jurisdictions, as long as you are not hindering the investigation intentionally. The appropriate thing to do would be to come forward with the information. What if it were your close friend or family member... wouldn't you want any information given to the authorities and the offender caught? You can always call in and give anonymous information. On crime hotlines you might get paid for it.
The fact that you were in bible study makes no difference. It is not privileged information unless you are the clergy that he was discussing it with.
You would only be held criminally responsible if you knew he was going to commit the crime and did nothing to stop it or call police before it happened. An accessory after-the-fact is someone who, for example, helped get rid of the gun or the body, but wasn't there for the murder.
2007-01-27 11:40:11 · answer #2 · answered by John 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not an attorney so don't take this as legal advice but here is how I understand the law as it applies to your question.
Withholding information from authorities is not a criminal violation. If you know something and don't seek out the authorities I don't think there is any action that can be taken against you. On the other hand, if you lie about it that constitutes "obstruction of justice" and that is a criminal offense.
You didn't ask what you should do so I won't go there. You sound like you can sort that out for yourself. One thing I would advise though. Since this occurred in religious setting the court may consider it privileged communication between the other person and someone he considers a religious counsel. It could get pretty goofy, I'm not saying it "will", only that it "could".
Have a good day and a better tomorrow.
2007-01-27 11:42:32 · answer #3 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What he did is called a jailhouse confession, they get used all the time. Since you are out of jail, you are a best case scenario for the prosecution, since you have nothing to gain in this case, althoug hthere may be a "Silent Witness" reward or something along those lines.
But most importantly, it's your duty as a citizen and a human being. But if you don't say anything, and sit on the info, then you are an accessory after the fact, and might as well have helped them pull the trigger.
2007-01-29 22:15:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the circumstancs. If a person witnesses a crime or receives information about the comission of a crime, especially a capital crime, our society dictates that the person has a duty and responsibility to come forward and help to set the wrong right. Not doing so could be construed to mean the person willfully abetted the crime and could be found "complicit after the fact."
2007-01-27 13:02:30 · answer #5 · answered by rico3151 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a felony crime in all of the 50 states to withhold information regarding a felony crime. Some states have sentencing "enhancments" which tack on more time for the information involving murder.
If this person comes forward about what they know, they will not receive any extra time in prison.
2007-01-27 11:54:17 · answer #6 · answered by nwhockeyplyr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, it is definately a crime to withhold the information. If you got anything out of that Bible study that you were attending, then you would know what the right thing to do is.....Even if the person is already in jail, they still need to be prosecuted for the crime that they committed......so speak up. We have to make this world a better place.....Good Luck!!
2007-01-27 11:39:14 · answer #7 · answered by beachbum 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
At the very least, do what you can to a mesage outside, drop an anonymous memo to the local police department where the gun is. Give the victims' family a break.
2007-01-27 13:14:40 · answer #8 · answered by Mark T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,itdefinatelyisacrime
2007-01-27 12:13:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you where ever charged for "withholding information", use the "I thought he was full of cr@p" defence.
After all, who many lies are told in prison?
Plus, it could be pure bullcookies to test your worthiness and see if your a stoolpigeon or not.
Best not to be a rat and keep your nutsack in one place.
2007-01-27 11:41:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋