You may have heard that someone can’t get in trouble for not turning someone in. The police if you witness a crime, but did you know that there’s a penalty for not doing so?
You can get in trouble, and it could cost you big bucks. In fact, in some states, you could be fined up to $10,000 for not reporting a crime. And if you’re arrested and charged with a crime, that could cost you even more. So, it’s important to report a crime or suspicious activity immediately, whether it’s serious or not.
But what if you witness a minor crime that isn’t worth reporting? Or what if you don’t feel comfortable making a report to the police? Well, there are some situations when you could get in trouble for not turning someone in.
Is it illegal? Not to report someone you know as a criminal?
Yes, it’s illegal. In a case that made headlines around the world last month, three people were arrested for not reporting a friend who they knew was engaged in drug dealing and had been selling drugs out of the apartment they shared. It turns out that, under current laws, this was not illegal.
That changed in July 2014, when Congress passed legislation (the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act) that made the failure to report certain terrorist activities a federal crime. The law also expanded the definition of terrorism to include acts of “providing material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.” This includes providing money, over-drafting, or services to someone who supports a foreign terrorist organization.
Can You Get In Trouble For Harboring a FUGITIVE?
Yes, you can get in trouble for turning someone in. Harboring a fugitive is a criminal offense that involves knowingly and intentionally concealing or sheltering a person who is wanted by law enforcement authorities. It is considered a serious crime, and those who are caught can face significant legal consequences.
In the United States, harboring a fugitive is a federal offense under Title 18, Section 1071 of the U.S. Code. The law states that anyone who harbors or conceals a person who has committed a federal offense and is fleeing from prosecution, custody, or confinement can be punished by a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
The penalties for harboring a fugitive or turning someone in can be much more severe if the fugitive is wanted for a violent crime, such as murder or kidnapping. In such cases, the person harboring the fugitive can be charged with aiding and abetting, which can result in much more severe penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences.
It’s also worth noting that harboring a fugitive can have serious consequences for the fugitive themselves. By helping a fugitive to evade the law, you could be putting them at greater risk and making it harder for them to resolve their legal situation.
What if the person you knew was a criminal committed murder?
Once you’ve determined that this person was indeed a criminal, you can then try to determine what kind of person he or she is before turning someone in. A criminal is someone who will take advantage of others. He or she could easily hurt people and take money from them. You may be surprised to learn how many people are criminals. If you’re ever in a situation like this, you need to act quickly and decisively to protect yourself.
Is It Illegal To Harbor a Felon?
No, Not in all states. But the chances of being caught, prosecuted, and convicted are quite low. To find out whether you could be charged, you need to consult a criminal law attorney in your state. This is a serious charge and should be taken seriously. If you choose to answer this question honestly, you will likely face a fine, jail time, and a ruined reputation.
Why Would I Want To Help Someone Who’s Committing Crimes Anyway?
I know it sounds harsh, but there’s no sense in helping people commit crimes. What I mean is, if a person is committing a crime, then they’re already committing a crime. So, it’s hard to imagine why someone who’s already breaking the law would want to help them. And if you think about it, if they’re committing a crime, then they can’t be trusted.
There’s a lot to be said about helping others, but the flip side of the coin is this: People who commit crimes are unlikely to change their behavior simply because you offer them your help. So, if you’re asking yourself how you can help people who need to change, the answer is: don’t. Don’t offer help. Instead, help your friends or family members who want to change and do the same thing you’re doing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the only way to prevent being caught in this situation is to have strong personal boundaries, be aware of the red flags, and take action when you see them. If you know that you are in a position where you could be accused of doing something wrong and you don’t report it, you are a victim of a crime. Being a victim of sexual abuse is a crime.
