A procedural twist has the potential to prevent federal prosecutors from bringing obstruction of justice charges in connection with the mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, the Palm Beach residence of former President Donald Trump.

The Mar-a-Lago search warrant authorized seizure of evidence related to three possible criminal violations, including obstruction in violation of Title 18, United States Code, §1519. That law makes it a crime to knowingly alter, destroy, conceal, or falsify a document with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation of any matter within the jurisdiction of a federal department or agency.