Colorado Law for Tampering with a Witness or Victim | Greeley Tampering Attorney
Tampering with a Witness or Victim in Greeley, Colorado, is a felony level crime. When you’re accused of Tampering with a Witness / Victim, you’re accused of intentionally impeding the independent functioning of the justice system. An experienced criminal defense attorney will become a necessity when you’re accused of this crime, as it carries severe consequences and penalties if convicted.
Weld County Law on Tampering with a Witness or Victim, C.R.S. 18-8-707
In Weld County, Criminal Tampering with a Witness or Victim, C.R.S. 18-8-707, is defined as:
What is a ‘Witness’ and What is a ‘Victim’ in Dacono, Erie, and Eaton, Colorado?
To Understand Tampering with a Witness or Victim in Dacono, Erie, and Eaton, Colorado, it is important that we understand the definition of ‘witness’ and ‘victim.’
Definition of a ‘Victim’ is:
The victim is whom the crime was against, who it ‘hurt.’ So if the case is a Domestic Violence Assault case, then the victim is the person who was assaulted.
Definition of a ‘Witness’ is:
(a) Having knowledge of the existence or nonexistence of facts relating to any crime;
(b) Whose declaration under oath is received or has been received as evidence for any purpose;
(c) Who has reported any crime to any peace officer, correctional officer, or judicial officer;
(d) Who has been served with a subpoena issued under the authority of any court in this state, of any other state, or of the United States;
A witness is basically a person who saw the crime, or someone who knows facts of the situation. It can also be a person who can support or break certain claims. Character witnesses can attest to who a person is, that they are loyal and trustworthy, or that they are not. A person can be a witness to an alibi, supporting that someone was where they claimed to be.
The testimony of victims and witnesses in a criminal case are vital to getting to the facts of the case. So, when false information is provided, or they fail to provide everything in their testimony, or they just don’t show up to official court proceedings when they have been summoned, it disrupts the function of the justice system.
Sentence for Tampering with a Witness or Victim in Greeley, Frederick, and Johnstown
The sentence for Tampering with a Witness or Victim in Greeley, Frederick, and Johnstown, is a class 4 felony. Possible penalties for a class 4 felony conviction include:
- Probation
- A minimum of 2 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections
- A maximum of 6 years in DOC
- Having to pay a minimum fine of $2,000
- Having to pay a maximum fine of $500,000
- And having mandatory parole for 3 years
These are in addition to facing societal consequences of having a felony on your criminal record. It is difficult to find suitable employment when you’re a convicted felon, even for non-violent crimes. It can also make renting difficult, as landlords are not fond of felons. Trying to take out a loan will also prove troublesome as banks are harder for felons to work with. Overall, having a felony on your criminal record is never favorable. Our expert defense attorneys will do everything they can to avoid this outcome.
Difference Between Tampering with a Witness, Bribing a Witness, and Intimidating a Witness in Milliken, La Salle, and Eaton
Different crimes like Tampering with a Witness / Victim, Bribing a Witness / Victim, and Intimidating a Witness / Victim in Milliken, La Salle, and Eaton, can be difficult to distinguish. Though they are all class 4 felony crimes, their differences are important.
Bribing a Witness or Victim, C.R.S. 18-8-703, in Greeley, Colorado
Someone bribes a witness or victim when they attempt to influence or induce a witness or victim with some sort of benefit to do the following: to falsely testify, unlawfully withhold testimony, avoid their summons, or just refuse to attend an official proceeding. To illustrate, if someone were to offer a witness a sum of money in exchange for omitting details of what they saw, they could be charged with Bribing a Witness.
Intimidating a Witness or Victim, C.R.S. 18-8-704, in Colorado
Intimidation of a Witness or Victim occurs when someone threatens, harasses, or actually harms a witness or victim in order to deter them from providing an honest testimony or appearing in court. For example, if someone threatens to burn down the home of a victim if they testify against a friend, they can be charged with Intimidating a Witness or Victim.
Tampering with a Witness or Victim, C.R.S. 18-8-707, in Weld County, Colorado
Tampering with a Witness or Victim occurs when someone attempts without bribery or threats to induce a witness or victim to testify falsely, withhold testimony, be absent from official proceedings when summoned, or to avoid the legal process summoning them to testify. It is tampering when someone asks the victim or witness to act or fail to act without the influence of a bribe or imitation. It might be a situation that the witness or victim feels is unfair and as a result, they are uncooperative with what is legally expected of them – but remember, whether the person comes to court or not MUST OCCUR AT THE REQUEST OF THE ACCUSED. If a witness or victim acts a certain way because THEY decide to do so on their own, no one is charged with Tampering.
Defenses Against Tampering with a Witness or Victim in Greeley, Windsor, and Garden City
When you’re accused of Tampering with a Witness or Victim in Greeley, Windsor, and Garden City, there are defenses an experienced criminal defense attorney will use. Depending on the facts of the case, a defense attorney can argue that:
- Your actions were not intentional
- That you’re being falsely accused
- There isn’t enough evidence to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt
- You weren’t aware there was a court proceeding that you your influence related to
So when you hire a trusted defense attorney, all hope is not lost.