If my friend commuted a crime and told me about it after the fact, do I have to tell the police?
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If my friend commuted a crime and told me about it after the fact, do I have to tell the police?
Asked on December 12, 2014 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
Arkady Bukh / Bukh Law Firm, P.C.
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
The average citizen is not required to report a crime. Some crimes are required to be reported by certain people such as child abuse by ER workers, teachers, social workers, etc. However, if the police suspect your friend and ask you about the crime it is best to tell the truth and also that you did not witness this it is just what your friend said.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Legally, you are not required to report a crime already commited, with the exception in many states of child sexual abuse or assault. So, legally, you do not need to affirmatively volunteer the information to the police. However, if asked by the police, you can't lie--if you do, you are impeding a police investigation, which is itself a crime.
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