Dissuading or Intimidating a Witness - Penal Code 136.1 PC
State law makes it illegal to threaten another person through witness intimidation under California Penal Code 136.1 PC, whether verbally or physically. Intimidating a partner is a criminal offense, and the charges could be filed against any person who shares a household, including boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife, divorced spouses, cohabitants, or parents of children.
The charges can be filed against same-sex or heterosexual couples. The types of intimidation that are illegal include threats to stop a partner from communicating with police, filing a police report, or giving testimony in court.
If you are accused of this crime, you must engage the services of a high-quality Los Angeles domestic violence attorney. Aggravated trespassing is defined under Penal Code 601 PC.
California Penal Code 368(b) PC defines the serious crime of domestic violence against a disabled person or dependent adult. This category falls under the broader and equally serious issue of elder abuse.
At Cron, Israels & Stark, our legal team has over 80 years of combined experience and the highest possible peer review rating—AV®, or preeminent, in criminal defense law.
We are also a firm made up of attorneys who are certified specialists in criminal law, a credential that less than 1% of attorneys can claim.
Penalties for Intimidating a Partner
This charge can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are facing a misdemeanor, you could be punished with jail time and fines. If you are facing a felony charge of intimidation, you are likely to get 2 – 4 years in state prison and a fine as high as $10,000.
The fact of intimidation can be in dispute, and in fact, the accusation could be false. These can be difficult cases for a judge or jury to evaluate.
When one person claims another, it comes down to which person is believed. An alleged victim can put on a convincing show, and this can impact the outcome of a case. This is when you need an attorney who is highly skilled in presenting a persuasive case for the defense.
The jury is listening to every word. Your case must be presented with the highest level of professional skill, be well-crafted and organized, and be persuasive.
A charge of intimidation could be related to another charge of stalking or harassment. Raising your voice, yelling, screaming, or breaking something all could be deemed to be forms of intimidation and domestic violence.
It is not necessary for the alleged victim to have suffered actual physical harm but that the person was intimidated by the other person's actions. It should be noted that intentionally detaining someone and not allowing them to leave when they want is considered false imprisonment.
Verbal communication can get out of hand in marriages and other relationships. It is a tragic consequence that a fight can escalate to the point where law enforcement gets involved and charges are filed.
If you are facing charges, you have no option other than to get an attorney to help you fight back.
The damage to your personal and professional reputation can be extreme if you are convicted, and you deserve to have a domestic violence defense attorney on your side that will do everything possible to protect you.
Many cases of intimidation are related to a domestic violence case and the belief that the alleged victim was intimidated and threatened so that he or she would not testify.
Many people who are accused of domestic violence are under a restraining order and not allowed to contact the alleged victim.
Suppose this order is violated and the person is contacted and asked not to testify. In that case, you can expect that charges of intimidation will be tacked onto your charges, adding further penalties and fines if you are convicted. Don't take chances with your future. Contact Cron, Israels & Stark today.
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