It's never easy facing charges of a crime, and it can be even harder to face court appearances. In some cases, there are additional charges added to a case because the accused tries to lessen consequences of their original charges. Defendants may try and get a witness or victim to help them change the outcome of their case. This is called Bribing a Witness or Victim. Let's look at an example to see what Bribing a Witness or Victim looks like in Adams and Douglas County, and across Colorado.

A Case of Bribery in Jefferson County, Colorado

Let's look at an example of what bribing a witness or victim could look like in Jefferson County and across Colorado:

Tom has been charged with Criminal Mischief and Assault, but feels like he was charged unfairly. He hired a criminal defense attorney in Jefferson County, but didn't share every detail of his case with his attorney because he was embarrassed. He is also afraid to appear in court. One of the witnesses in the case happens to be one of Tom's good friends, so he decides to talk to his friend about what happened. When he talks with his friend, he asks him what he'll say when he comes with Tom to court. His friend tells Tom he's going to share the details as they happened, but Tom doesn't like that idea and gets angry. He knows that sharing every detail about the case will hurt Tom more than help him. As a result, Tom tells his friend he will pay him if he doesn't share the whole story. Tom's actions could lead to criminal charges of Bribing a Witness or Victim.

Facing Bribing a Witness or Victim charges?

What is Bribing a Witness or Victim in Denver?

The definition of Bribing a Witness or Victim, C.R.S 18-8-703 occurs when:

A person commits bribing a witness or victim if he or she offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit upon a witness, or a victim, or a person he or she believes is to be called to testify as a witness or victim in any official proceeding, or upon a member of the witness' family, a member of the victim's family, a person in close relationship to the witness or victim, or a person residing in the same household as the witness or victim with intent to:

1. Influence the witness or victim to testify falsely or unlawfully withhold any testimony; or
2. Induce the witness or victim to avoid legal process summoning him to testify; or
3. Induce the witness or victim to absent himself or herself from an official proceeding.”

Bribery of a victim or witness is a class 4 felony in Denver. This means that Tom could face 2-6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for trying to get his friend to testify falsely or to unlawfully withhold his testimony. Tom could also risk paying up to $500,000 in fines. It was only natural for Tom to get angry with his friend because of his anxiety and frustration surrounding his case. This unfortunately led to committing a new crime. The attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office understand that emotions complicate situations. If you have been charged with Bribery, contact one of our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys right away.

Why You Need the Best Denver Criminal Defense Attorneys

Self-help by the accused generally hurts a case more than it helps. Contact an attorney if facing any criminal charges.

Bribing a Witness or Victim is a serious crime in Arapahoe and Adams County and across Colorado. And, there are some cases where Denver District Attorneys add many charges to existing charges whenever a crime is committed against a witness or a victim. This only adds to the difficult penalties that one could face when charged with a crime. And, it's especially traumatizing for those that were already struggling with their original charges. The criminal defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office work hard at getting charges reduced or dropped, and often have success in doing so. We work with expert witnesses and private investigators to gather as much information about your case as we can. Self-help by the accused generally hurts the case more than it helps.  Contact our office today for a free initial consultation if facing charges of Bribing a Witness or Victim.

Get Help Now

If you or a loved one has been charged with Bribing a Witness or Victim, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O'Malley Law Office at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.Request a Free Consultation

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