Michigan Attorney John Freeman Explains New Law on Lying to Police
Former federal prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer John Freeman of the Law Office of John Freeman in Troy recently addressed a group of law enforcement officers regarding Michigan’s new law that criminalizes interference with police who are conducting investigations. The law mirrors portions of the federal statute that put Martha Stewart behind bars in 2004.
The new addition to Michigan’s Penal Code, section 750.479c, provides criminal penalties for knowingly or willingly concealing material facts, making false or misleading statements, or providing false or misleading writings or documents to a peace officer who has indicated his or her involvement in a criminal investigation. The statute provides penalties ranging from a few months in jail for interfering with an investigation involving a serious misdemeanor, to four years in prison or a fine as high as $5,000 for lying to investigators about a serious felony such as murder, rape, arson or carjacking. The new law goes into effect on July 20, 2012.
Mr. Freeman recently addressed the annual conference of Michigan’s Fraternal Order of Police in Gaylord. His presentation focused on the risks this new law presents to everyone – including law enforcement officers, who Mr. Freeman believes will be a target of prosecutions under this new statute.
The Law Office of John Freeman represents clients who have been accused of state or federal crimes, including drug crimes, white-collar fraud crimes and computer crimes such as child pornography possession and identity theft. Mr. Freeman has worked on both sides of the criminal justice system as both a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. He handles all matters, including jury trials, grand jury investigations, sentencing matters and appeals. He regularly defends clients against criminal charges in state and federal courts throughout Michigan.