Montana § 45-7-303 - Obstructing Justice
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 45-7-303 — Obstructing Justice, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-7-303. Obstructing Justice
Obstructing justice. (1) For the purpose of this section "an offender" means a person who has been or is liable to be arrested, charged, convicted, or punished for a public offense. (2) A person commits the offense of obstructing justice if, knowing another person is an offender, the person purposely: (a) harbors or conceals an offender; (b) warns an offender of impending discovery or apprehension, except this does not apply to a warning given in connection with an effort to bring an offender into compliance with the law; (c) provides an offender with money, transportation, weapon, disguise, or other means of avoiding discovery or apprehension; (d) prevents or obstructs by means of force, deception, or intimidation anyone from performing an act that might aid in the discovery or apprehension of an offender; (e) suppresses by act of concealment, alteration, or destruction any physical evidence that might aid in the discovery or apprehension of an offender; or (f) aids an offender who is subject to official detention to escape from official detention. (3) A person convicted of obstructing justice shall be: (a) imprisoned in the state prison for a term not to exceed 10 years if the offender has been or is liable to be charged with a felony; or (b) fined not to exceed $500 or be imprisoned in the county jail for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both, if the offender has been or is liable to be charged with a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 45-7-303
What does Montana Code Annotated § 45-7-303 cover?
Section 45-7-303 ("Obstructing Justice") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 45-7-303?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 45-7-303" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 45-7-303 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.