SB 22-024

Senate Bill 22-024, which has been signed into law in Colorado, aims to strengthen laws against intimidating witnesses. It expands the definition of witness intimidation to include threats or actions directed at people who might have information relevant to a criminal investigation or those who can influence a witness or victim. Additionally, it makes it illegal to try and influence anyone with knowledge about a case to withhold or provide false information to law enforcement, defense attorneys, or investigators. This bill affects anyone involved in the legal process and helps protect witnesses and victims from intimidation. Since it has been signed into law, the changes are now enforceable by Colorado's legal system.

Official Summary

The act expands the ways that intimidating a witness may be committed by stating that the threat or act that constitutes intimidation can be directed at a person the perpetrator believes may have information relevant to a criminal investigation or a person the perpetrator believes may be able to exert influence upon a witness or victim. The act also adds that the crime of intimidating a witness can be committed by intentionally attempting to influence, or actually influencing, a witness, victim, or any other person with knowledge of relevant information to withhold information from, or provide false information to, law enforcement, a defense attorney, or defense investigator. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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