Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

If someone is charged with a felony and you know for certain they are not guilty, but you have no faith in the justice system, can you spare that person and plead guilty to the crime yourself?

person plead guilty to that crime to


Asked on 3/24/14, 1:11 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Jared Austin Austin Legal Services, PLC

No lawyer on here is going to give you approval to commit perjury. Even if someone else comes forward, the prosecutor will determine whether or not they believe that person and they still have the discretion on whether or not to pursue the charges against the original defendant. He would not help matters by doing this, only making them worse. Not to mention implicating themselves in crimes during the process.

Read more
Answered on 3/24/14, 1:35 pm
Neil O'Brien Eaton County Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

As Mr. Austin noted, you can't simply walk into court, confess and fall on the sword for the actual charged defendant to "spare" him in order for you to be convicted instead. If you testified convincingly at trial, a jury might find reasonable doubt about the charged defendant's culpability and find the defendant not guilty. But for you to be convicted, a prosecutor would have to charge you personally first.

Read more
Answered on 3/24/14, 1:43 pm
William Morrison Action Defense Center

I believe you have a cause of action against the last educational institution you attended. Before you proceed with this insane idea, stop your use of drugs or alcohol and get a free consultation with a grownup.

Read more
Answered on 3/24/14, 5:12 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Michigan