U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Prosecutors' Resource: Witness Intimidation

NCJ Number
245728
Date Published
March 2014
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This report outlines strategies for effective prosecution of cases where witness intimidation is, or may be, a factor.
Abstract
This report details the strategies that can be employed by everyone involved in the criminal justice system throughout the investigation and prosecution of a case, as well as during post-conviction incarceration and supervision, to prevent intimidation and to respond effectively when it occurs. It is intended both as a checklist of actions that can increase the likelihood of successful prosecution and as a reference to assist the prosecutor in handling typical problems and legal issues that arise in prosecuting cases involving intimidation; it further provides guidance for prosecution practices that will enhance the safety of victims and witnesses. This report contains three parts: Part 1 discusses the first steps that should be taken when a prosecutor is assigned a case in which witness intimidation is, or may be, an issue. Part 2 discusses steps to be taken and strategies that can be employed during the pretrial phase of a criminal prosecution, up through the final pretrial conference. Part 3 discusses trial strategies that will enhance the likelihood of a successful prosecution that will result in a guilty verdict and an appropriate sentence, including appropriate post-release conditions that will enhance the ongoing safety of victims and witnesses. Appendixes