1. 1. A person is guilty of obstructing criminal prosecution if:

   1. A. The person uses force, violence or intimidation, or the person promises, offers or gives any pecuniary benefit or anything of benefit to another, with the intent to induce the other:

      1. (1) To refrain from initiating a criminal prosecution or juvenile proceeding; or

      2. (2) To refrain from continuing with a criminal prosecution or juvenile proceeding that the other person has initiated; or

         [PL 2019, c. 438, §4 (AMD).]

   2. B. The person solicits, accepts or agrees to accept any pecuniary benefit or anything of benefit to another in consideration of doing any of the things specified in this subsection.

      [PL 2019, c. 438, §4 (AMD).]

   [PL 2019, c. 438, §4 (AMD).]

2. 2. This section does not apply to conduct authorized by Title 15, section 891.

   [PL 2001, c. 383, §89 (AMD); PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF).]

3. 3. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that:

   1. A. The charge in fact made or liable to be made was for a Class D or Class E crime or a comparable juvenile offense; and

      [PL 1977, c. 510, §62 (RPR).]

   2. B. The pecuniary benefit did not exceed an amount which the actor believed to be due as restitution or indemnification for harm caused by the offense.

      [PL 1977, c. 510, §62 (RPR).]

   [PL 1977, c. 510, §62 (RPR).]

4. 4. Obstructing criminal prosecution is a Class C crime.

   [PL 1977, c. 510, §62 (NEW).]

PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW). PL 1977, c. 510, §62 (RPR). PL 2001, c. 383, §89 (AMD). PL 2001, c. 383, §156 (AFF). PL 2019, c. 438, §4 (AMD).