Legal Definitions - misprisor

A misprisor is an individual who knows that a serious crime, known legally as a felony, has been committed by another person but deliberately conceals this information from law enforcement or fails to report it to the proper authorities. This term implies more than just passive knowledge; it often involves some act of concealment or a deliberate decision not to disclose crucial information that could aid in the apprehension or prosecution of the person who committed the felony.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a misprisor:

• Example 1: Concealing Evidence

  Imagine Sarah discovers that her roommate, Mark, has committed a significant bank fraud (a felony). Instead of reporting Mark to the police, Sarah helps him shred incriminating documents and wipe his computer hard drive to destroy evidence of the crime. In this scenario, Sarah would be considered a misprisor because she actively concealed information and evidence related to a felony she knew had occurred, rather than reporting it to the authorities.

• Example 2: Deliberate Failure to Report

  Consider David, who witnesses his neighbor, Emily, commit a serious assault (a felony) against another person. David knows Emily was the perpetrator and understands the severity of the crime. However, out of a misguided sense of loyalty or fear of involvement, David decides not to report the assault to the police, even when he has a clear opportunity to do so and knows the police are investigating. David's deliberate failure to report a known felony makes him a misprisor.

• Example 3: Aiding in Escape from Justice

  Suppose Maria learns that her brother, Carlos, has committed armed robbery (a felony) and is now a fugitive. Instead of urging him to surrender or reporting his whereabouts, Maria provides Carlos with a safe place to stay, gives him money, and helps him acquire a fake identification to evade capture. Maria's actions, which actively assist Carlos in avoiding justice for a felony she knows he committed, would classify her as a misprisor.