Both witnesses and jurors play important roles in a criminal case. Witnesses provide evidence that the jurors can use to determine if they believe the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Because these parties are so crucial to criminal cases, it’s important that no one attempts to influence their actions. Here are some of the consequences of attempting to influence a witness or juror:
Bribing a Juror or Witness
It is illegal to offer money or any other type of benefit to a juror or witness in an attempt to influence their actions. This is referred to as bribing a witness or bribing a juror, and it is a class 4 felony in the state of Colorado.
For example, no one can offer a juror money in an attempt to get the juror to vote that the defendant is not guilty or guilty. An example of bribing a witness would be offering some sort of benefit to a witness if he agrees to lie under oath.
Bribing a witness or juror is aggressively prosecuted in Colorado. Anyone who is convicted of either one of these crimes could face up to six years in prison and up to $500,000 in fines. Because bribery is usually classified as a crime of moral turpitude, it could also lead to deportation for anyone who is not a U.S. citizen.
Intimidating a Juror or Witness
Another way that people illegally attempt to influence jurors or witnesses is by intimidating them. Intimidating a juror or witness involves threatening, harassing, or harming them in order to influence their actions. For example, telling a witness that will be physically harmed if he chooses to testify against the defendant is a form of intimidation.
Intimidating a juror or witness is also a class 4 felony that carries the same penalties as bribing a juror or witness. However, the penalties for aggravated intimidation of a witness are more severe.
Aggravated intimidation involves the use of a deadly weapon. Even if the weapon is not actually used, the crime can still be charged as aggravated intimidation if the defendant intended on using the weapon if necessary. It can also be charged as aggravated intimidation if a weapon was used to make the victim fear for his life. This crime is a class 3 felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000.
If you have been accused of bribing or intimidating a juror or witness, call Reisch Law Firm at once. Our criminal defense attorneys will immediately get to work gathering the evidence we need to fight for your freedom. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
