Arrested in Massachusetts for Intimidation of a Witness?
This charge is commonly applied in cases where the police claim you threatened someone into not coming forward or covering up a crime which that person saw or has knowledge of.
Intimidation of a witness can be applied outside of any other criminal charges. For example, if someone threatens to call the police on you, and you tear the phone off the wall, you can be charged with intimidation of a witness under Massachusetts law. A good criminal defense attorney may be able to get these charges reduced, dismissed, or voided entirely.
Fighting and Defending a Witness Intimidation Criminal Charge
Anytime someone is arrested and facing conviction for any criminal charge, there can be unfortunate life consequences. If you are saddled with a permanent criminal record, it may affect you when applying for a job, and will come up anytime you get a background check. An experienced attorney may be able to lessen or eliminate the severity of the consequences depending on the circumstances. The earlier you consult with an attorney, the more options you’ll have in defending yourself in a criminal prosecution.
We have successfully defended intimidation of a witness charges by invoking spousal privileged, where the husband allegedly threatened his wife into not calling the police. The wife later decided not to testify against her husband, which is her right.
Penalties
Intimidation of a witness can be a felony charge, with possible penalties of up to 10 years in state prison, and fines of up to $5,000.
Ref: Mass General Laws, Chapter 268, Section 13B
I am in different MA courts every day, defending my clients rights and freedom. If you’ve been charged with intimidation of a witness or any another criminal charge in Massachusetts, you need someone who will fight for your rights. Call me anytime.