New York Criminal Lawyer Blog
Tampering with a Witness, a crime in New York State punishable by as “little” as up to one year in jail and as much as up to twenty five years in state prison, is an offense the prosecutors and the courts take extremely seriously. From New York criminal lawyers to prosecutors, all parties recognize the importance of protecting witnesses whether it be for the defense or law enforcement.
Because of the significance of the crime of Tampering with a Witness, the New York criminal defense attorneys and former Manhattan prosecutors at Saland Law PC have taken the time to create an educational Tampering with a Witness information page. The Tampering with a Witness legal page can assist you in understanding the degrees of the crime while also giving you a jumping point to start the in depth consultation that you will ultimately have with the attorney you determine will represent you. Again, while it is not an “advice” page, the Tampering with a Witness criminal law information page will give you the tools to take the next step in the event you are investigated, arrested or indicted for this crime.
Briefly, New York Tampering with a Witness is prosecuted as four separate degrees (NY PL 215.10, NY PL 215.11, NY PL 215.12 and NY PL 215.13). The crimes are punishable by up to one year in jail or four, seven or twenty five years in state prison respectively. It is important to note that this crime is not the same crime as Intimidating a Victim or a Witness and has distinct elements. Generally, you tamper with a witness when you attempt to or prevent that person from testifying or going to a court proceeding. The crime can be enhanced by the nature of the threats or if injury actually occurs.
Regardless of the degree of Tampering with a Witness you are charged with, it is important to understand how the law differentiates “physical injury” and “serious physical injury” as it directly corresponds with your potential punishment in the event you are convicted.
For extensive information on the New York crimes of Tampering with a Witness, please follow the highlighted link. Information on other criminal statutes, including commentary on cases in the media and legal court decisions, can be found on the New York Criminal Lawyer Blog.
Saland Law PC is a New York criminal defense firm representing clients in New York City as well as the suburban counties.