Bill > H1841

This bill amends Chapter 268 of the Massachusetts General Laws, specifically section 13B, to strengthen protections against witness intimidation and interference with justice. The bill creates comprehensive legal provisions that criminalize a wide range of actions intended to obstruct or interfere with judicial, administrative, and civil proceedings. Specifically, the law makes it illegal to threaten, injure, bribe, mislead, or harass judges, jurors, attorneys, law enforcement officers, witnesses, or individuals with knowledge of potential criminal violations. The bill covers direct and indirect attempts to impede criminal investigations, court proceedings, hearings, and other legal processes, with the intent to obstruct justice or retaliate against participants. Offenders can be punished by up to ten years in state prison, two and a half years in jail, a fine between $1,000 and $5,000, or a combination of these penalties. The bill also provides clear definitions of key terms like "investigator" and "harass," expanding the understanding of harassment to include electronic communications and acts that would cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress. Prosecutions under this law can be brought in the county where the proceeding occurred or where the alleged misconduct took place, providing flexibility in legal jurisdiction.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1841