{"id":352191,"date":"2023-09-20T10:21:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/witness-tampering.html"},"modified":"2023-09-20T10:21:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T15:21:36","slug":"witness-tampering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/witness-tampering.html","title":{"rendered":"Witness Tampering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Witness Tampering<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Witness tampering occurs when someone tries to influence a witness to make a false statement, withhold testimony, or miss a court proceeding. This crime can involve intimidation, coercion, or corrupt persuasion. Law enforcement may bring charges against anyone who attempts to improperly influence a witness.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When you’re involved in a criminal or civil action, the court may bar you from directly communicating with any witness, informant, or victim. These rules are in place to protect those who are testifying from harassment or threats. They also encourage the free flow of information in court.<\/p>\n

Witness tampering is a serious offense with significant penalties. If you are facing witness tampering charges, contact a defense attorney<\/a> in your area for help. If you are experiencing witness tampering, an attorney can also help you report this to the authorities and prioritize your safety.<\/p>\n

Witness tampering happens when someone tries to influence a witness<\/a>. The goal is to get the witness to make a false statement. The crime can also involve pressure to withhold testimony or evidence or to miss a court proceeding. Law enforcement officers may bring witness tampering charges against a party, another witness, or anyone who attempts to intimidate or improperly influence a witness.<\/p>\n

This article describes the criminal offense of witness tampering. Learn about:<\/p>\n