Are There Any Potential Defenses Against Witness Tampering in OKC?

When you are charged with a crime, it’s normal to want to defend yourself with every fiber of your being. However, it’s necessary to understand that some actions can lead to serious legal consequences. Any time you tamper with evidence, lie to the police, or intimidate witnesses in the hopes of securing a favorable outcome for your criminal case, you can be charged with additional crimes. If you’re accused of a crime, it’s important to understand what constitutes witness tampering in Oklahoma. Additionally, if you are facing charges for this offense, you’ll learn some of the most common defenses your Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer may be able to use for your circumstances.

What Is Witness Tampering and What Are the Penalties?

Any attempt to interfere with a criminal investigation, whether it be through destroying evidence or obscuring security cameras before the commission of a crime is considered an obstruction of justice. As such, witness tampering falls into this category of offenses. In Oklahoma, any attempt to prevent someone from testifying, providing evidence, or threatening the other person to deter them from appearing in court is witness tampering. However, other acts can be classified as tampering, including offering bribes or intentionally interfering with their ability to appear in court and testify.

Witness tampering is a serious offense and should not be taken lightly. If charged, you will face a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison. However, this would likely be in addition to the charges you are facing for the crime you are accused of obstructing justice for.

What Defenses Might I Be Able to Use?

If you are charged with witness tampering in Oklahoma, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to protect yourself in the wake of these serious charges. Generally, one of the most important things you should do is connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Not only can they fight for the best possible outcome on your behalf, but they can also protect your rights during the criminal justice process.

One potential defense is a lack of intent. In order to convict you of witness tampering, the prosecution must show that you willfully and intentionally attempted to tamper with a witness. However, if you can show that the act wasn’t intentional, you may be able to avoid a conviction.

Your attorney may also be able to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the witness’s claims that they were intimidated by you. For example, they may claim you approached them on a certain day to harass or intimidate them, but you may have evidence that you were in a different location at the time they claim they were tampered with.

As you can see, these matters should not be taken lightly as they can have a serious impact on the outcome of your case. That is why it’s critical to connect with an experienced attorney from the Jones Firm, PLLC as soon as possible. Our team understands the severity of these matters, which is why we will do everything possible to assist you through this process. Contact us today to learn more.