Intimidation of a Witness, Juror or Law Enforcement Official

The crime of Intimidation of a Witness, Juror or Law Enforcement Official is the attempt to influence or intimidate a person in order to interfere with a criminal investigation, criminal trial or other criminal proceeding.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 268, Section 13B punishes those convicted of the crime of Intimidation with imprisonment to the House of Corrections for up to 2.5 years or state prison for up to 10 years.

In order to be convicted of the crime of Intimidation of a Witness, Juror or Law Enforcement Official, the prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt:

1. That the defendant, either directly or indirectly, made a threat or attempted to influence another person in some way;
2. That the other person was a witness, juror, or law enforcement official at any stage of a criminal investigation, grand jury proceeding, trial, or other criminal proceeding; and
3. That the defendant did so willfully with the specific intent to impede, obstruct, delay, harm, punish or otherwise interfere with the criminal proceedings.

The crime of Intimidation is specifically written to encompass a wide variety of acts intended to influence a criminal proceeding. For example, Massachusetts courts have upheld convictions of Intimidation for pointing a cell phone camera at a witness waiting to testify; and even for threats made after the close of the evidence at trial but before the jury had returned with a verdict. Additionally, Massachusetts prosecutors are now using this statute to charge persons with Intimidation if they are interviewed and lie or mislead the police in their criminal investigation.

If you have been charged with the crime of Intimidation of a Witness, Juror or Law Enforcement Official, you should immediately consult with a Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney who can explain the charges and protect your rights.

To schedule a Free Consultation with Boston Criminal Lawyer Lefteris K. Travayiakis, Contact Us Online or call 617-325-9500.