Intimidating a state’s witness Oklahoma is a serious legal offense, as it truly impacts the heart of the judicial system.
We all want to believe that when a witness testifies in court, that the witness is telling the truth, free from any duress or coercion. In fact, witness testimony is so valued in our legal system, that we cannot imagine our legal system without it. Our system depends on it.
As such, most jurisdictions, Okmulgee included, have enacted statutes to prevent people from intimidating a state’s witness Oklahoma.
What is Intimidating a State’s Witness Oklahoma?
In Okmulgee, it is illegal to prevent a witness from giving testimony or producing any other piece of evidence if that witness has been summoned or subpoenaed. Likewise, it is illegal to prevent a witness making a report of child or elder abuse from giving testimony.
It is also illegal to threaten or cause actual physical or mental harm to the witness through force or fear in an attempt to prevent any witness from appearing in court to give his or her testimony or other evidence, or to alter his or her testimony. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 455
Note that it is enough to merely threaten a witness with the intent to either prevent or alter their testimony for a conviction.
The purpose of Oklahoma’s statute is to preserve the integrity of the judicial system, and is taken seriously. It is broadly drawn to enable prosecutors wide latitude in charging an offense.
Penalty
Intimidating a state’s witness Oklahoma is considered a felony crime in Okmulgee.
A conviction is punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.
Low-cost Consultation: Okmulgee Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is being accused of intimidating a state’s witness Oklahoma, call 918-756-9600 right away for a initial strategy session with an Okmulgee criminal defense attorney.
You may also send a message to the Wirth Law Office – Okmulgee through this website. All inquiries are confidential.
