taking the blame for someone else's crime theme

A character admits to a crime they did not commit, in order to protect the real culprit from legal retribution (or someone else from associated consequences).

4 total · 1 major · 3 minor

StoryLevelMotivation
ahh1x04 major The novelist took the blame for his wife in order to protect her from the stress of a trial. The judge threatened the novelist with being held in contempt of court for refusing to answer questions while on the witness stand.
ahh1x29 minor Dianne's nanny took the fall, lying at the inquest, after Dianne's negligence caused the death of her baby.
columbo1971e5x01 minor Ned tried to take the fall in order to protect Grace.
rh2012e1x02 minor A complicated situation arose wherein Anita was briefly thought to have taken the blame for Sofia's petty stealing.