Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Knowledge of Criminal Activity/Evidence

I am being asked to sign a paper stating that I will suppress any knowledge and/or evidence known to me about another person of criminal or possible criminal activity. Aside from the whole integrity issue...Is such a document/agreement even legal? What are the possible legal repurcussions, now or in the future, for me, if I do or don't sign? Am I required to turn over any evidence of possible criminal activity that I might have to authorities? If the person about whom I am being asked to sign the paper for previously entered into a monetary contract with me regarding an unrelated matter, can they legally withhold any monies agreeed upon in that contract if I refuse to sign this new agreement?


Asked on 7/03/07, 8:29 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: Knowledge of Criminal Activity/Evidence

In Ohio, if you have unprivileged knowledge of a felony offense you are required by law to report it to law enforcement. Failure to report is itself a felony -- "misprison of a felony" -- and you could be charged with that offense, although it rarely happens.

Because the "contract" you are being asked to sign would require that you do an illegal act, the contract is not enforcible.

Likewise, because the "contract" of non-disclosure is unrelated to the debt the other person owes you, it is not proper to withhold payment of a legitimate debt to try to force you to sign an illegal contract.

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Answered on 7/03/07, 11:22 am


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