Bill > AB535

This bill amends Section 136.1 of the California Penal Code to clarify and expand the legal protections against witness intimidation. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to explicitly state that it is a criminal offense to prevent or attempt to prevent a witness or victim from either causing a legal complaint to be filed or prosecuted, or from assisting in the prosecution of a case. The bill maintains the existing penalties, which include potential imprisonment in county jail for up to one year or in state prison, with enhanced felony charges for more serious circumstances such as using force, acting as part of a conspiracy, having prior convictions, or committing the act for financial gain. The legislation also specifies that attempting to commit such acts is punishable even if the attempt is unsuccessful, and that the absence of physical injury or intimidation does not serve as a defense. Additionally, the bill includes a provision stating that no state reimbursement is required for local agencies because the act creates or changes the definition of a crime, which is consistent with California's constitutional provisions.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB535