New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney

Defending Those Accused of Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution

Tracy L. Denholtz regularly represents individuals charged with Obstruction offenses, such as Resisting Arrest, Eluding Law Enforcement, Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution; and Witness Tampering.  Ms. Denholtz is a fierce criminal defense trial attorney with over a decade of experience.  Ms. Denholtz offers relentless advocacy, strategic defense, and exceptional service to clients accused of Hindering. 

At Denholtz Criminal Defense, you can trust that your case will receive the meticulous attention and tireless advocacy it deserves.  If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, Ms. Denholtz is ready to fight for you. Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your FREE consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.

Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution

(N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3)

Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution of Another: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3(a), a person commits the offense of hindering if, with purpose to hinder the detention, apprehension, investigation, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for a motor vehicle or insurance fraud offense he:

• Hides Another: Harbors or conceals the other.

• Provides Resources to Another: Provides or aids in providing a weapon, money, transportation, disguise, or other means of avoiding discovery or apprehension or effecting escape.

• Suppresses Evidence or a Witness: Suppresses by way of concealment or destruction, any evidence of the crime, or tampers with a witness, informant, document, or other source of information, regardless of its admissibility in evidence, which might aid in the discovery or apprehension of such person or in the lodging of a charge against him.

• Warns Another About Apprehension: Warns the other of impending discovery or apprehension (this does not apply to a warning given in connection with an effort to bring another into compliance with the law).

• Uses Force, Intimidation, or Deception to Prevent an Act: Prevents or obstructs, by means of force, intimidation, or deception, anyone from performing an act which might aid in the discovery or apprehension of such person or in the lodging of charges against him.

  • 2nd Degree Offense: An offense under this subsection is a 2nd degree offense, which carries the presumption of imprisonment and is punishable by up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison. 

  • 4th Degree Offense: An offense under this section is a crime in the 4th degree if the actor is a spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parent, or child to the person aided who is the victim of the offense. A 4th degree offense is punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

• Aids in Keeping Fruits of Crime:  Aids such person to protect or expeditiously profit from an advantage derived from such crime.

• Gives False Information:  Gives false information to a law enforcement officer or fraud investigator.

Grading of Hindering for Another

• 3rd Degree Offense: Hindering is a 3rd degree offense (punishable by up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison), if the conduct which the actor knows has been charged or is liable to be charged against the person would constitute a crime in the 2nd degree or greater. 

• 4th Degree Offense: Hindering is a crime in the 4th degree (punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersy State Prison), if the actor is a spouse, domestic partner, partner in a civil union, parents or child of the person aided. Hindering is also a crime in the 4th degree if such conduct would constitute a crime in the 3rd degree.

• Disorderly Persons Offense:  In all other instances, hindering is a disorderly persons offense which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail. 

Hindering One’s Own Apprehension or Prosecution: Under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3(b), a person commits an offense if, with the purpose to hinder his own detention, apprehension, investigation, prosecution, conviction, or punishment for an offense, a motor vehicle offense, or insurance fraud, he:

• Conceals or Destroys Evidence: Suppresses, by way of concealment or destruction, any evidence of the crime or tampers with a document or other source of information, regardless of its admissibility in evidence, which might aid in his discovery or apprehension or in the lodging of a charge against him.

• Uses Force or Intimidation to Obstruct an Act: Prevents or obstructs by means of force or intimidation anyone from performing an act which might aid in his discovery or apprehension or in the lodging of a charge against him.

• Uses Force or Intimidation to Intimidate a Witness: Prevents or obstructs by means of force, intimidation, or deception any witness or informant from providing testimony or information, regardless of its admissibility, which might aid in his discovery or apprehension in the lodging of a charge against him.

  • 2nd Degree Offense:  Hindering under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3-(b)(3) is a crime of the 2nd degree which is punishable by up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

• Gives False Info to Law Enforcement:  Gives false information to a law enforcement officer or a civil state investigator assigned to the insurance fraud department.

Grading of Hindering One's Own Apprehension or Prosecution

• 3rd Degree Offense: The offenses described in N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3(b) are crimes of the 3rd degree if the conduct which the actor knows has been charged or is liable to be charged against him would constitute a crime of the 1st or 2nd degree. A 3rd degree offense is punishable by up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison.

• 4th Degree Offense: Hindering is a crime of the 4th degree if such conduct would constitute a crime of the 3rd degree. A 4th degree offense is punishable by up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.

• Disorderly Persons Offense: Under all other circumstances, hindering is a disorderly persons offense which is punishable by up to 6 months in jail.

Contact a New Jersey Criminal Defense

Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, it is crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney.  At Denholtz Criminal Defense, we understand the stakes involved and are committed to providing you with skilled, aggressive, and personalized legal representation.  No matter what the allegations, Ms. Denholtz will provide an honest and detailed evaluation of your case, outline the best legal options available, and craft a defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible result for your unique situation.  Contact Denholtz Criminal Defense today for your free consultation: (862) 842-0811 or Tracy@DenholtzCriminalDefense.com.