Intimidating a witness in Oklahoma is treated as a felony crime in most jurisdictions, Muskogee included.
It is a crime that attempts to undermine the very heart of the judicial process.
As such, if convicted, you will face serious consequences.
What is Intimidating a Witness in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law prohibits anyone from willfully preventing or attempting to prevent a witness or potential witness from giving testimony or evidence in any court proceeding, whether that occurs as a result of causing fear in the witness of physical intimidation, mental coercion or duress, or in any other way.
The law also prohibits a person from trying to get a potential witness to alter their testimony or evidence. It also prohibits the use of intimidation tactics with a witness who is filing or will file a report of abuse or neglect of a child or an elder. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 455
We are all familiar with the typical TV show plot in which a notorious villain confronts a potential witness and threatens harm to the witness or to the witness’s family. But here is another, more likely version of the same crime.
You have an on-again, off-again relationship with someone. During the times that things get rocky, she calls the police and accuses you of abuse.
You get bailed out of jail and then want to go talk to her about it. She is 5 feet tall and weighs 110 lbs. You are 6 feet and weigh 210. Things get heated and you back her into a corner as you are trying to sort this out with her.
Intimidation of a witness? Well, under Oklahoma law, maybe. This is why it is so important to hire good defense counsel before talking to police.
Penalties for Intimidating a Witness in Oklahoma
Intimidating a witness in Oklahoma is punishable as a felony offense, with a prison term of from 1 to 10 years.
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Criminal Defense Attorney
The crime of intimidating a witness in Oklahoma is a serious offense, and your freedom is at stake. If you are being investigated or have been charged with intimidation of a witness in the Muskogee area, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney familiar with the court system in Muskogee. Do so before you speak to police. Remember that everything you say to police can and will be used against you.
For a consultation with an experienced Muskogee criminal defense attorney, call 918-913-0725 today.
