Are you legally obliged to report a crime?

Generally speaking, most people are under no legal obligation to report a crime, whether they knew about it in advance, witnessed its commission, or found out about it after the fact. However, there are exceptions to this law that you ought to know about.

Can I be arrested for failing to provide information about crime?

If you have been arrested for failing to provide information about a crime or becoming an accessory to a crime, you need to speak with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Wallin & Klarich today.

Should you disclose information about a crime?

There is always the possibility that you risk harm to yourself or a third party if you divulge information about a crime you suspect has already been committed, or know of before it happens. Others may feel they have a moral obligation to respond as a Good Samaritan and expose criminals for their wrongdoing.

What is the penalty for failure to report a crime?

If you willfully prevent someone from filing a mandatory report, you can be punished by a maximum $5,000 fine, a one-year jail sentence, or both. Failure to Report a Crime under Federal Law (18 U.S.C. section 4) Federal law prohibits concealing information about specific crimes.

Can a police officer make a decision to arrest a victim?

The statute also prohibits an officer from basing the decision to arrest on the victim’s permission or request, nor can the arrest decision be based on a victim’s or witness’s willingness to testify in court. (Ala. Code §13A-6-134.)

Are police officers immune from civil suits and criminal charges?

Although state legislatures have created laws giving officers immunity from civil suits and criminal charges, the protections provided by these statutes are not absolute. As explained below, law enforcement may be subject to civil suits and criminal charges under certain circumstances.

What happens if a police officer is arrested for maliciousness?

So, while officers will normally be protected from a lawsuit or criminal charges, arrests based on an officer’s maliciousness or other improper motive may cause the officer to lose those protections.