Understanding the Basics of Witness Tampering
Let’s talk about witness tampering. Hi, my name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for about eight years now, and I want to help you make law easy by talking about what happens when you are intimidating or trying to deceive someone who’s going to be a witness in a case.
The Legal Implications of Witness Tampering
Under Title 21, Section 452, it is a misdemeanor to use fraud, deceit, or false statements to influence a witness’s testimony in any legal proceeding. This means that if you attempt to mislead or pressure a witness — whether by lying, manipulating, or tricking them into testifying falsely or refusing to testify — you are committing a crime. The law takes witness credibility seriously, and any effort to interfere with truthful testimony will be scrutinized by the court.
This rule applies to everyone, including attorneys, who are not allowed to coach clients into giving specific testimony. Lawyers can only advise clients to tell the truth and help them frame their statements accurately. Whether it’s a criminal case, family law matter, or civil lawsuit, tampering with a witness is not worth the risk. Let the facts speak for themselves and allow the judge to assess credibility. If you’re uncertain about what constitutes improper influence, seek legal advice before taking any action.
Have Questions or Concerns? Contact a Legal Professional
If you have questions about this or you’re unsure of whether or not you have done or are about to do something that would violate the statute, give me a call. My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal defense attorney with Wirth Law Office, and I want to help you make law easy.
Schedule a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session Today
Don’t wait to get the legal advice you need. Call me at 918-879-1681 to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session. Let’s discuss your concerns and explore your legal options together.
