It is illegal to attempt to prevent a witness from giving testimony in Wagoner, Oklahoma court cases.
Doing so is called witness intimidation Oklahoma, and is a crime even when you think it won’t have a significant effect on a case.
If convicted of this charge, you may find yourself in serious trouble.
Proving Witness Intimidation Oklahoma
Before a defendant can be found guilty of witness intimidation Oklahoma, a prosecutor will have to prove each part of the crime (called elements) beyond a reasonable doubt.
This will require a prosecutor to present evidence and witness testimony in order to secure a conviction.
The elements of witness intimidation Oklahoma are as follows:
A defendant acted willfully,
- causing, threatening, procuring, or harassing
- physical or mental harm
- through force or fear
- to a person
- because of testimony given by the person in any civil or criminal trial or with the intent to:
- prevent the person from appearing in court to testify,
- make the person alter his or her testimony, or
- because of a report of abuse or neglect.
Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 455
Penalties
Anyone found guilty of witness intimidation Oklahoma will be convicted of a felony crime.
This is punishable by 1 to 10 years in prison.
Initial Strategy Session: Wagoner Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you know is faced with this charge, please call Wirth Law Office – Wagoner at 918-485-0335 for a confidential consultation with a Wagoner criminal defense attorney.
