Tampering with a Witness, pursuant to New York Penal Law sections 215.10, 215.11, 215.12 and 215.13, is a crime that prosecutors in New York City’s boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens, as well as District Attorneys throughout the counties of the Hudson Valley, take extremely seriously. Make no mistake. If you perpetrate any degree of Tampering with a Witness no matter if it is a misdemeanor or a felony, you will face significant consequences that will require the assistance of an experienced New York criminal lawyer.
Although often confused with Witness Intimidation, Tampering with a Witness, aka, Witness Tampering, is a distinct and separate crime in New York State. If you attempt to or actually induce a person not to show up to a proceeding, such as a court hearing, or to testify before a Grand Jury, you have likely violated the New York Penal Law as it relates to Witness Tampering. Punishment for Tampering with a Witness runs the gamut and can be as "little" as up to a year in jail. If you are arrested for the misdemeanor charge in New York City or any of the municipalities in Westchester County, Rockland County, Putnam County, or Dutchess County, whether you are sentenced to seven days jail or one year in jail, you will serve your time in the local “lock up.” If, for example, the case of NY PL 215.10 stemmed from an incident in Queens or White Plains in Westchester County, Rikers Island or the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla would be your respective home for the duration of your incarceration. The more serious Tampering with a Witness crimes are felony offenses and depending on the degree, a conviction for any of these Tampering with a Witness charges can land you in state prison for a significant period of time.
The links above addressing the different degrees of Tampering with a Witness contain further legal analysis as to each of the charges. While the information contained there will provide you with the basic parameters of each Tampering with a Witness offense, consult with a New York criminal defense attorney to analyze the particular set of facts in your case and ascertain the potential defenses to those allegations. Not only can your failure to take the appropriate steps to address the evidence and accusation leave you exposed to imprisonment, but your ability to hold on to your professional licenses an legally remain in the United States if you are not a citizen will all be severely compromised.
Remember to exercise your rights while also preparing to identify the best strategy to overcome an investigation, arrest, indictment or trial involving any degree of Witness Tampering. From New York City to the Hudson Valley, know that no matter the nature of the accusation, only the strongest advocacy can provide you with the best opportunity for vindication, exoneration or mitigation. In your time of need, the New York criminal lawyers and former Manhattan Assistant District Attorneys at Saland Law stand ready to protect and defend you.
Call the criminal defense lawyers and former Manhattan prosecutors at (212) 312-7129 or contact us online today to discuss your case and possible defenses.