Violent Crimes: Intimidation of witness

On Behalf of | Jun 12, 2016 | Violent Crimes

Intimidation of a witness or victim is one of the more serious violent crimes that a criminal defendant can be charged with. Intimidation of a Witness can be found in Title 18 and section 4952 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. Assault Crimes  As one of the more serious types of violent crimes, Intimidation of a Witness generally concerns cases where an accused in another criminal defendant or a completely different individual, commits acts in order to try and effect the testimony of a witness in another case.

In order to be found guilty of the violent crime of Intimidation of witnesses or victims, the government must prove the following criminal elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

First, that the accused with the intent to or with the knowledge that his conduct will obstruct or interfere with the administration of criminal justice, the accused intimidates or attempts to intimidate any witness or victim to either:

(1) Stop from informing or reporting to any police officer any information relating to the commission of a crime. Or

(2) Give false information or testimony having to do with the commission of any crime to law enforcement. Or

(3) Withhold any information, which relates to the commission of a crime from any officer. Or

(4) Elude or ignore any request to appear in court.

The crime of Intimidation of a Witness can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. Intimidation of a Witness can be graded as a felony depending upon the facts if the accused employs force, violence or deception upon the witness or offers money or some other pecuniary benefit or has a prior conviction for previously committing the same conduct.   first degree murder  Make sure to contact an experienced violent crimes attorney if you are being investigated or have been charged with the crime of Intimidation of a Witness.

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