In Castle Rock and Douglas County, there are multiple crimes involving victims or witnesses including:

• Bribing a Witness or Victim;
• Intimidating a Witness or Victim;
• Retaliation Against a Witness or Victim; and
• Tampering with a Witness or Victim

A politician’s campaign chair is currently facing additional charges of Tampering with a Witness after he is accused of having contact with a witness in another criminal case against him. In order to be charged with Witness Tampering, there must be some allegation that his communication with the witnesses was to get them to change their testimony.

Douglas County Tampering with a Witness or Victim Lawyer: Definition of Witness or Victim Tampering

The Douglas County, Colorado law definition of Tampering with a Witness or Victim – C.R.S. 18-8-707 – is:

“

(1) A person commits tampering with a witness or victim if he intentionally attempts without bribery or threats to induce a witness or victim or a person he believes is to be called to testify as a witness or victim in any official proceeding or who may be called to testify as a witness to or victim of any crime to:

(a) Testify falsely or unlawfully withhold any testimony; or

(b) Absent himself from any official proceeding to which he has been legally summoned; or

(c) Avoid legal process summoning him to testify.”

Often, in criminal cases, a protection order will be entered preventing the accused from having any contact with the victim or potential witnesses in the case. If the defendant reaches out to a witness or victim (or even has someone else do it for him) and asks them to lie or not show up for court, then Tampering with a Witness can be charged. If the person offers monetary gain, then Bribing a Witness would be charged. Threats in connection with getting someone to change their testimony is considered Intimidating a Victim or Witness.

Sentence for Tampering with a Witness in Highlands Ranch and Parker

As a class 4 felony in Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Parker, this crime is punishable by 2 to 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and up to $500,000 in fines.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a Witness or Victim Crime, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 303-265-1950 to schedule your free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.

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