Felony Compounding

Compounding a Felony

Compounding of Felony, offense of agreeing, for a payment or promise, not to prosecute a felony known to have been committed, or to suppress evidence of its commission. This offense is usually committed by the one who was directly injured by the felony. For example, the taking back of stolen goods, with the agreement not to prosecute or aid in prosecuting the thief, or advertising for stolen goods with ‘no questions asked,’ have both been considered criminal. The underlying theory for the compounding of felony as a crime is that the state has the exclusive right to prosecute in all matters affecting the peace and order of the state. For an individual to encroach on the state’s right and to use a prosecution for private gain is in itself a criminal offense. (1)

Resources

Notes and References

1. Encarta Online Encyclopedia

See Also