Bill > HB478

This bill amends Ohio's criminal code to expand protections against intimidation and create a new offense of jury tampering. The bill modifies existing law to include public servants in the list of individuals who are protected from intimidation in criminal proceedings, making it illegal to use force, threats, or unlawful actions to influence or hinder attorneys, victims, witnesses, or public servants involved in a criminal case. Additionally, the bill introduces a new section specifically addressing jury tampering, which makes it a crime to attempt to influence, intimidate, or hinder a juror in the discharge of their duties, including their consideration of evidence during a trial. The bill establishes different levels of criminal penalties for these offenses, with attempts to intimidate through force or threats being a more serious felony of the third degree, while less severe intimidation attempts are classified as misdemeanors of the first degree. The legislation aims to protect the integrity of the judicial process by creating legal consequences for those who might try to improperly influence judicial proceedings or participants.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb478