If you’ve been charged with a certain criminal offense, you might be tempted to speak to the plaintiff or witnesses. You might do this in order to settle the matter outside the courtroom or because you believe the whole situation is a misunderstanding. However, under Massachusetts law, you could be easily charged with witness intimidation.
Witness intimidation is basically an attempt to persuade or even threaten a victim or a witness from testifying or even providing evidence for the case. Here is everything you need to know about defending a witness intimidation criminal charge in Massachusetts.
What Qualifies As Witness Intimidation in Massachusetts?
In most cases, witness intimidation criminal charges are usually associated with crimes of violence, especially domestic violence or vandalism. For example, suppose you and your spouse or significant get into an argument and they threaten to call the police. In that case, if you try to convince them to settle the matter without involving law enforcement, you might be charged with witness intimidation.
Another form of witness intimidation is culture intimidation, whereby the family or even friends of the witness or victim try to talk them out of testifying or filing charges. Also, breaking somebody’s phone after they’ve decided to call the police on you qualifies as witness intimidation under Massachusetts law.
Fighting a Witness Intimidation Criminal Charge
If you’re charged with witness intimidation in Massachusetts, you shouldn’t discuss the case with the person accusing you. While you might have good intentions, further contact with that person will only result in additional charges against you. Instead, ensure that you contact a criminal defense lawyer for a consultation about the matter.
Summing Up
Have you been charged with witness intimidation in Massachusetts and you’d like to talk to a criminal defense lawyer? Contact Matthew W. Peterson’s office for a free consultation.