Sometimes. Lying to police can support an obstruction charge in Rhode Island when the false statements actually interfere with the investigation or are provided in a sworn context. Giving a fake name during arrest, providing false alibis to support another person’s innocence, and obstructing identification can all support obstruction charges. However, refusing to answer questions (silence) is NOT obstruction — that is your Fifth Amendment right. Federal false statement charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 apply to lies to federal agents and carry up to 5 years prison. Defense work often focuses on whether the statements were actually false and whether they materially affected the investigation.
