Define Misprision of a Felony.

• A. Concealing a felony with no requirement that the party intends to help with the felony
• B. Failing to report a felony but with intent to help
• C. Preventing arrest after committing a felony
• D. Aiding and Abetting a felony

Answer: (A)

Misprision of a felony centers on knowing a felony has been committed and concealing it or failing to report it to the proper authorities. The important part is the concealment or non-reporting, not an intent to assist the felon. You don’t have to intend to help the crime succeed for this offense to apply; merely having knowledge and taking steps to hide or avoid reporting it can be enough. This is distinct from aiding and abetting (which requires active help to commit the felony) and from obstructing or preventing arrest, which involve other actions. For example, if you know a felony occurred and you hide the evidence or keep quiet instead of telling authorities, that can meet the misprision standard.