Bill > H3987

This bill amends existing law to expand the definition of intimidating witnesses and interfering with justice, making it a crime to willfully threaten, cause injury, offer something of value, or mislead, intimidate, or harass individuals involved in the criminal justice system or other legal proceedings. This includes judges, jurors, attorneys, law enforcement officers, witnesses, and anyone aware of information related to a criminal violation or court order, as well as those attending or intending to attend legal proceedings. The intent behind such actions must be to impede, obstruct, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with criminal investigations, trials, parole or probation violation proceedings, or any civil proceedings, or to retaliate against individuals for their participation. The bill also clarifies the definition of "investigator" and "harass," with harassment including acts that cause substantial emotional distress through various communication methods, and allows for prosecution in the county where the proceeding occurred or where the offense took place.