Bill > S01751

This bill increases the criminal penalties for witness tampering and victim/witness intimidation in New York State by changing the classification of certain offenses. Specifically, the bill upgrades tampering with a witness in the third degree and intimidating a victim or witness in the third degree from a class E felony to a class D felony, and elevates tampering with a witness in the second degree and intimidating a victim or witness in the second degree from a class D felony to a class C felony. These changes mean that individuals convicted of these crimes would face more severe legal consequences, potentially resulting in longer prison sentences and more significant criminal records. The bill also updates related sections of the penal law to reflect these new felony classifications, ensuring that these specific types of witness-related criminal offenses are categorized appropriately within the state's legal framework. The changes are intended to provide stronger legal protections for witnesses and victims, and to create more significant deterrents against attempts to interfere with legal proceedings through intimidation or tampering.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1751