Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

if a person thinks a crime is being comitted are they legally obligated to report it to the police?


Asked on 2/23/14, 2:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Anthony Smith LawSmith

If one is a mandatory reporter (such as weigh a teacher and could abuse) they are obligated to report it. Some professionals, such as accountants or government inspectors are obligated to report some transactions. But, the general public is not criminally liable for the crimes of others. However, any act that furthers or conceals the crime it perpetrator, can make one criminally guilty. It could also create civil exposure. If you're worried that you might be vulnerable, you should consult immediately with legal counsel, in your area, that can examine the exact facts of your case. That attorney would not be obligated to report what you saw or heard.

Good luck

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Answered on 2/24/14, 6:03 am


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