Threatening a witness: assisting a prosecution.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Chaptered
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill clarifies and strengthens the law against intimidating witnesses in criminal cases. It prohibits individuals from preventing or dissuading witnesses or victims from reporting crimes, pursuing legal action, or assisting in prosecutions. The law also expands the penalties for such actions, particularly when they involve force, threats, or conspiracy. Finally, it clarifies that local agencies will not be required to reimburse for costs associated with this legislation.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of prohibited actions to include dissuading witnesses or victims from reporting crimes or assisting in prosecutions.
- Increases penalties for threatening witnesses or victims, particularly when involving force or threats.
- Addresses situations where intimidation is part of a conspiracy.
- Specifies that attempts to intimidate are also illegal.
- Clarifies that a family member’s attempt to protect a witness or victim does not automatically negate malicious intent.
- States that no reimbursement is required for local agencies due to the creation of a new crime.
Who is affected
- Witnesses in criminal cases
- Victims of crime
- Law enforcement agencies
- Prosecutors
- Judges
Notable changes
- Broadens the scope of actions considered intimidation.
Bill text
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