Compounding A Felony Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Compounding A Felony, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Compounding A Felony?

It is an act when a person falls victim to any sort of serious crime and inturn agrees not to file a lawsuit or any complain against the crimnal and hide evidences in exchange of something, which can be in the form of money, incase of theft-return of stolen goods, incase of damages-repairing charges paid etc.

History and Meaning of Compounding A Felony

Compounding a felony is a term used in criminal law that refers to an agreement between the victim of a crime and the perpetrator, in which the victim agrees not to report or prosecute the crime, in exchange for some form of compensation. This is considered an illegal act, as it obstructs the course of justice, and can result in prosecution for both the perpetrator and the victim.

The concept of compounding a felony originated in common law, where it was considered a crime to obstruct justice by preventing the prosecution of a serious crime. In the past, it was common for offenders to seek out victims and offer them money or other incentives to drop charges or not report a crime. This practice was seen as a threat to the authority of the legal system, as it allowed criminals to avoid punishment for their actions.

Examples of Compounding A Felony

  • A victim of a hit and run accident agrees not to press charges against the driver, in exchange for payment of medical bills and compensation for lost wages.
  • An employer discovers that an employee has committed theft, but offers not to report the crime if the employee agrees to resign and return the stolen property.
  • A landlord offers not to report a tenant's illegal activities if the tenant agrees to pay the rent on time and keep the property well-maintained.

Legal Terms Similar to Compounding A Felony

  • Bribery: The act of giving or receiving something of value in exchange for a favour or influence, often with the intent to sway an official or legal decision.
  • Obstruction of justice: Any act that interferes with the legal process, including the destruction of evidence, lying to investigators, or attempting to influence a witness or jury.
  • Perjury: The act of lying under oath in a court of law, which is considered a serious crime as it impedes the pursuit of justice.