Yes — and it commonly is. Obstruction of justice in Rhode Island is one of the most frequent stacking charges, added to primary cases when the defendant interfered with the investigation, arrest, or court process in any way. The stacking increases overall exposure and gives prosecutors leverage in plea negotiations. Defense work often focuses on resolving obstruction charges alongside the primary case — if the primary charge is reduced or dismissed, the obstruction charge often follows. Skilled defense counsel can sometimes negotiate the obstruction away entirely as part of resolving the primary case, eliminating the additional record and penalty.
