Examples of Witness Intimidation within the Auckland

August 30, 2023by Naomi Cramer


In case you or somebody you care about is being investigated for witness intimidation, it is very important perceive precisely what this cost entails. Within the Auckland, witness intimidation is whenever you attempt to make somebody change their proof or cease them from giving proof in a legal trial. This may be achieved by threats, violence, or every other technique of coercion. It’s a very critical offence, and in case you are convicted, you could possibly face an extended jail sentence.  On this article, we’ll present an outline of the offence of witness intimidation, in addition to some examples of witness intimidation and customary questions concerning the offence, as a way to have a greater understanding of what this cost entails.

What’s a Part 51 offence within the Auckland?

Witness intimidation is a crime within the Auckland pursuant to Part 51 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Witness intimidation is subsequently also known as a ‘Part 51 offence.’

Part 51 creates two offences:

  • 51(1) considerations acts in opposition to an individual who’s helping within the investigation of an offence or is a witness or potential witness or juror or potential juror while an investigation or trial is in progress; and
  • 51(2) considerations acts in opposition to an individual who assisted in an investigation of an offence or who was a witness or juror after an investigation or trial has been concluded.

What are some examples of witness intimidation?

Behaviour that’s able to being charged as witness intimidation consists of making threats to hurt somebody or their family in the event that they testify, sending them threatening letters or emails, or damaging their property.

Witness intimidation also can embrace attempting to affect what a witness says by providing them cash or different advantages or threatening to hurt them if they don’t change their story.

Virtually talking, witness intimidation may appear like:

  • sending a letter to somebody utilizing cut-out items of newspaper print, attempting to scare them into not testifying in a court case
  • spray portray ‘snitch’ on somebody’s home or automobile
  • standing outdoors somebody’s home and observing them by home windows attributable to their involvement in a case
  • following somebody in an effort to manage who they see or converse to within the lead as much as a trial
  • intimidating somebody if they’re attributable to give proof in opposition to you or somebody you’re appearing on behalf of in court
  • following a juror dwelling after the trial day has ended, making them realise that you understand the place they stay
  • verbally threatening somebody with hurt if they don’t retract their assertion

Are you able to be charged with witness intimidation in case you are not the accused?

Sure. Part 51 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 applies to anybody who tries to intimidate a witness, no matter whether or not they’re the accused within the case or not. Which means, even in case you are not dealing with costs your self, you’ll be able to nonetheless be charged with witness intimidation in case you attempt to dissuade or forestall somebody from giving proof in a legal case.

What does ‘influencing a witness’ imply?

The time period ‘influencing a witness’ is commonly utilized in relation to witness intimidation. This refers to when somebody tries to make a witness change their proof or cease them from giving proof altogether. This may be achieved by threats, violence or every other technique of coercion.

You will need to keep in mind that even when you don’t achieve making the witness change their proof, you’ll be able to nonetheless be convicted of witness intimidation. The check is whether or not you took steps towards attempting to intimidate the witness, not whether or not you had been in the end profitable.

What are the results of witness intimidation within the Auckland?

If you’re convicted of witness intimidation within the Auckland, you could possibly face a jail sentence of as much as 5 years if convicted within the Crown Court, and a lesser sentence of as much as six months’ imprisonment in case you are convicted within the Magistrates’ Court. Moreover or as a substitute of a custodial sentence, the court might order that you simply pay a high-quality or compensation to the sufferer. If you’re discovered responsible of witness intimidation, it would even be famous in your legal document.

A conviction for witness intimidation can have a critical and long-lasting influence in your life. If you’re dealing with witness intimidation costs, it is very important converse to a solicitor as quickly as attainable to grasp your authorized choices and guarantee that you’ve the very best defence.

Are you able to drive a witness to present proof?

In some circumstances, a witness could also be reluctant to present proof or might attempt to keep away from giving proof altogether. In these circumstances, the court has the ability to ‘compel’ a witness to present proof. Which means the witness may be ordered by the court to attend court and provides proof, even when they don’t wish to. If a witness refuses to present proof when they’re ordered to, the court can not drive them to talk however it may possibly maintain that particular person in contempt of court. It is a separate offence with its personal penalties.

These powers don’t, nevertheless, prolong to people. Any particular person discovered to be attempting to drive somebody to present proof, both by violence, threats of violence, or bribery, may be charged with witness intimidation below Part 51 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

Can witnesses refuse to go to court?

Witnesses are usually not obliged to go to court if they don’t wish to. Nevertheless, if a witness has been issued with a witness summons by the court, they have to adjust to the summons and attend court on the required date. If they don’t, they might be present in contempt of court.

Are you allowed to speak to witnesses in a legal case?

There isn’t a basic prohibition on merely speaking to a witness within the case, until the choose has particularly ordered you to not. In any case, out in the true world and away from the courtroom, that could possibly be very exhausting to police. A solicitor, nevertheless, will advise you to not discuss to any witnesses as a result of something you say to them could possibly be used as proof in opposition to you, and it could possibly be interpreted as intimidation even in case you didn’t intend for it to be.

Witnesses are given details about what potential witness intimidation seems to be like they usually have entry to assist in the event that they suppose they’re being intimidated. Due to this, it’s advisable that you simply steer clear of any witnesses to the extent attainable and keep away from speaking to them in any respect prices.

Are you able to name anybody as a witness?

No, not everybody may be known as as a witness. A witness should have first-hand information of the occasions in query in an effort to give proof that’s related to the case. Moreover, a witness have to be deemed ‘competent’ to present proof. Which means they’re of sound thoughts and are in a position to perceive and bear in mind the occasions that they’re testifying about.

If a witness doesn’t have first-hand information of the occasions or is just not competent to present proof, their proof could also be ‘rumour’. Rumour proof is usually not admissible in court because it can’t be substantiated.

What makes somebody a key witness?

A key witness is a witness whose proof is especially necessary to the case. Key witnesses are sometimes pivotal in securing a conviction or acquittal. In some circumstances, key witnesses could also be positioned below witness safety if there are considerations for his or her security.

Intimidation of key witnesses is taken extra significantly exactly as a result of the case hinges upon their testimony. With out their testimony, the prosecution might not be capable of proceed. As such, witness intimidation of key witnesses can lead to extra critical penalties.

What occurs in case you intimidate a witness after they’ve given proof?

If you’re charged with witness intimidation and the witness has already given proof, you’ll nonetheless face the identical costs and penalties as if the witness had not given proof. The truth that the witness has already given proof doesn’t make the offence any much less critical. Part 51(2) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 created the offence regarding intimidation of witnesses in a case that has already occurred.

The place to get extra assist with a witness intimidation cost?

You probably have been charged with witness intimidation, or are being investigated for this offence, it is very important search authorized recommendation as quickly as attainable. An skilled solicitor will be capable of assess your case and advise you on the technique for transferring ahead, together with on mounting a defence. For extra details about witness intimidation costs and to rearrange a free session, get in contact with the staff at Stuart Miller Solicitors at the moment.

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by Naomi Cramer

Auckland Lawyer for FIRST TIME Offenders Seeking to Avoid a Conviction. Family Law Expert in Child Care Custody Disputes. If you are facing Court Naomi will make you feel comfortable every step of the way.  As a consummate professional your goals become hers, with customer service as our top priority. It has always been Naomi’s philosophy to approach whatever you do in life with bold enthusiasm and pure dedication. Complement this with her genuine passion for equal justice and rights for all and you have the formula for success. Naomi is a highly skilled Court lawyer having practised for more than 20 years. She serves the greater Auckland region and can travel to represent clients throughout NZ With extensive experience, an analytical eye for detail, and continuing legal education Naomi’s skill set will maximise your legal rights whilst offering a holistic approach that best fits your individual needs. This is further enhanced with her high level of support and understanding. Naomi will redefine what you expect from your legal professional, facilitating a seamless experience from start to finish.   Her approachable and adaptive demeanor serves her well when working with the diverse cultures that make up the Auckland region. Blend her open and honest approach to her transparent process and you can see why she routinely delivers the satisfying results her clients deserve. If you want to maximise your legal rights, we recommend you book an appointment with Naomi today so she can detail the steps for you to achieve your goals. 

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