Bill > H1460

This bill amends existing law to broaden the definition and penalties for intimidating witnesses and interfering with justice within the criminal justice system. It specifically expands the scope of individuals who can be targeted, including not only those directly involved in legal proceedings like judges, jurors, and officers, but also anyone who possesses or is aware of information relevant to a criminal investigation or violation of court orders, or who intends to attend such proceedings. The bill clarifies that the prohibited actions include directly or indirectly threatening, causing physical, emotional, or economic injury or property damage, offering gifts or promises, or misleading, intimidating, or harassing these individuals. The intent behind these actions must be to impede, obstruct, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with any criminal investigation, grand jury proceeding, trial, parole or probation violation proceeding, or any civil proceeding, or to punish or retaliate against someone for their participation. The bill also defines "investigator" broadly to include those authorized by federal or state agencies to conduct investigations, and "harass" to encompass acts that seriously alarm or annoy a person, causing substantial emotional distress, including through various forms of electronic communication. Penalties for violating these provisions include significant prison time or fines.