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Crimes Against Justice Charges in Florida

Crimes against justice are treated as serious offenses in Florida because they involve conduct that interferes with the integrity of the legal system itself. These charges do not focus on harm to a single victim, but rather on actions that obstruct investigations, undermine court proceedings, interfere with witnesses, or prevent law enforcement and courts from performing their duties.

Crimes against justice are often charged alongside other offenses or used by prosecutors to increase leverage in an existing case. In many situations, a person is charged not because of the original alleged crime, but because of something they said, did, or failed to do during an investigation or court process.

If you are being investigated or charged with a crime against justice in Florida, the consequences can be severe. These cases frequently involve felony exposure, enhanced penalties, and long-term consequences for employment, licensing, and credibility.

Crimes Against Justice Defense Lawyer in Hernando County, Florida

If you were accused of a crime against justice in Hernando County or the surrounding counties of Citrus, Sumter, or Pasco County, Florida, contact The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. immediately. These cases often arise unexpectedly and can escalate quickly once law enforcement or prosecutors believe the legal process has been interfered with.

With over 20 years of experience, Ashley Aulls defends individuals facing serious criminal allegations at every stage of the justice process. He understands how these charges are investigated, how prosecutors use them strategically, and how to challenge overbroad or unsupported accusations.

Call (352) 593-4115 today for a confidential consultation.

Overview of Crimes Against Justice in Brooksville, Florida

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Definition of Crimes Against Justice Under Florida Law

Crimes against justice include a broad category of offenses that interfere with law enforcement investigations, judicial proceedings, court orders, or the administration of justice. These crimes are found throughout Florida’s statutes and range from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

Unlike many other criminal offenses, crimes against justice often focus on intent, knowledge, and conduct during legal proceedings rather than physical harm or property damage.

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Common Crimes Against Justice in Florida

Crimes against justice may include, but are not limited to, the following offenses:

  • Obstruction of justice: Involves resisting, obstructing, or opposing a law enforcement officer or investigation without violence. This may include interfering with police duties, providing misleading information, or refusing lawful commands.
  • Resisting an officer with violence: Occurs when a person uses or threatens physical force against a law enforcement officer performing lawful duties. This offense is typically charged as a felony.
  • False reports to law enforcement: Involves knowingly providing false information about a crime, incident, or emergency. False reports can divert police resources and may result in criminal charges even if no harm occurs.
  • Tampering with evidence: Includes destroying, altering, concealing, or falsifying evidence with the intent to impair its availability in an investigation or legal proceeding.
  • Witness tampering: Involves attempting to influence, intimidate, threaten, or prevent a witness from testifying or cooperating with law enforcement or the courts.
  • Perjury: Occurs when a person knowingly makes a false statement under oath in an official proceeding. Perjury charges often arise from testimony, affidavits, or sworn documents.
  • Interfering with a 911 call: Involves knowingly preventing or attempting to prevent another person from contacting emergency services during an emergency situation.
  • Failure to appear: Occurs when a person willfully fails to appear in court as required. Depending on the underlying case, this may result in additional criminal charges.
  • Violation of probation or court orders: Includes willfully violating the terms of probation, injunctions, no-contact orders, or other court-imposed conditions.

Each of these offenses carries its own legal standards, penalties, and defenses.

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Penalties for Crimes Against Justice in Florida

Penalties for crimes against justice vary widely depending on the specific charge and circumstances. Potential penalties may include:

  • Misdemeanor charges punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and fines of up to $1,000
  • Felony charges punishable by multiple years in Florida State Prison
  • Fines of up to $5,000 or $10,000 for felony offenses
  • Probation or community control
  • Court-ordered counseling or compliance programs
  • Permanent criminal record

Many crimes against justice carry enhanced penalties because they are viewed as attacks on the legal system itself. When charged alongside other offenses, they may significantly increase sentencing exposure.

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Defenses to Crimes Against Justice Charges

  • Lack of intent or knowledge: Many crimes against justice require proof that the accused acted knowingly, willfully, or intentionally. If the conduct was accidental, misunderstood, or the result of confusion rather than deliberate interference, the prosecution may be unable to meet its burden.
  • Lawful exercise of constitutional rights: Individuals have the right to remain silent, refuse consent to searches, and consult an attorney. A person cannot be criminally punished for asserting lawful constitutional protections, even if law enforcement views the conduct as uncooperative.
  • No underlying lawful duty or proceeding: Some crimes against justice depend on the existence of a lawful investigation, arrest, court order, or official proceeding. If the underlying police action or court order was invalid, improperly issued, or unlawful, the related charge may fail.
  • False or exaggerated allegations: These cases often rely heavily on testimony from officers, witnesses, or cooperating individuals. Bias, misinterpretation, or personal motives can lead to exaggerated claims that do not accurately reflect what occurred.
  • Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Missing documentation, lack of corroboration, or inconsistent witness statements can significantly weaken the state’s case.
  • Procedural or constitutional violations: Crimes against justice frequently arise during investigations where constitutional safeguards are critical. Illegal searches, coerced statements, or defective warrants may result in suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges.

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Role of a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

  • Identifying the specific offense and elements: Crimes against justice encompass many different statutes with distinct legal requirements. An attorney carefully identifies the exact charge and ensures the prosecution is held to proving every required element.
  • Evaluating investigative conduct: Defense counsel scrutinizes how law enforcement gathered evidence, conducted interviews, and interacted with the accused. Improper or overreaching investigative tactics can undermine the validity of the case.
  • Protecting constitutional rights: An attorney ensures the accused is not penalized for exercising the right to silence, legal counsel, or refusal to consent. Early legal guidance helps prevent self-incrimination and escalation of charges.
  • Managing parallel or underlying cases: Crimes against justice are often filed alongside other criminal charges. Defense counsel coordinates strategy to prevent one case from negatively impacting another.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors: In appropriate cases, an attorney may seek dismissal, reduction, or resolution through compliance or corrective action. Effective negotiation can significantly reduce exposure to incarceration or a permanent criminal record.
  • Providing trial representation: When a case proceeds to trial, defense counsel challenges the prosecution’s narrative, cross-examines witnesses, and emphasizes reasonable doubt. Many crimes against justice hinge on intent and credibility, making skilled trial advocacy essential.

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Key Elements the Court Considers

While elements vary by offense, courts generally examine:

  • The defendant’s intent or knowledge
  • Whether a lawful investigation or proceeding was underway
  • Whether the defendant’s conduct interfered with that process
  • Whether the evidence was lawfully obtained

Failure to establish required elements may result in dismissal or acquittal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be charged even if the underlying case is dismissed?
 Yes. Crimes against justice can stand on their own regardless of the outcome of the original case.

Are crimes against justice always felonies?
 No. Some are misdemeanors, while others are serious felonies depending on conduct and harm.

Should I speak to police if accused of interfering with an investigation?
 You should consult a criminal defense attorney before making any statements.

Can these charges be added later in a case?
 Yes. Prosecutors may file crimes against justice charges after an investigation has already begun.

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Additional Resources

Florida Statutes – Obstruction of Justice and Related Offenses – Florida’s statutory code contains the full range of crimes against justice, including obstruction, witness tampering, perjury, evidence tampering, failure to appear, and interference with law enforcement. Reviewing the statutes is essential for understanding how these offenses are defined and classified.

Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure – These rules govern how criminal cases proceed in Florida courts, including arrest procedures, charging decisions, discovery, motions, and trials. Many crimes against justice arise from alleged violations of procedural rules or court orders addressed in these rules.

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Finding a Crimes Against Justice Defense Attorney in Hernando County, Florida

Crimes against justice charges can dramatically increase legal exposure and are often used strategically by prosecutors. Early and experienced legal representation is essential.

The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, P.A. represents individuals charged with crimes against justice throughout Brooksville and Hernando County, Florida, as well as Inverness in Citrus County, New Port Richey and Dade City in Pasco County, and Bushnell in Sumter County.

If you are facing investigation or charges for a crime against justice, do not wait. Call (352) 593-4115 today to discuss your case and begin protecting your rights.