Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-151a – Intimidating a Witness

Connecticut makes it a serious felony to use or threaten physical force to influence a witness. A person violates § 53a-151a if, believing an official proceeding is pending or about to start, they use, attempt to use, or threaten force against a witness or another person with the intent to (1) influence, delay, or prevent testimony, or (2) induce false testimony, withholding of testimony, evasion of a subpoena, or absence from court.

Key point: The statute focuses on your belief that a proceeding is pending or imminent—it does not require that a case was actually on the docket at that exact moment.

To convict under § 53a-151a, prosecutors generally must show:

1. Belief about proceedings: You believed an official proceeding was pending or about to be instituted.
2. Conduct: You used, attempted, or threatened physical force against a witness or another person (for example, a family member).
3. Intent: Your purpose was to influence, delay, prevent, or corrupt testimony; induce false testimony; cause the witness to evade a subpoena; or keep them from coming to court.

Intimidating a witness is a Class B felony in Connecticut. A Class B felony carries up to 20 years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines. Courts treat these cases as high priority because they threaten the integrity of the justice process.

These charges often appear alongside Tampering with a Witness (§ 53a-151), Interfering with an Officer (§ 53a-167a), Assault, or Violation of a Protective Order, particularly in domestic-violence or violent-crime contexts. Evidence frequently includes texts, direct messages, recorded jail calls, and statements made in person. Even implied threats tied to court testimony can lead to an arrest.

• Tampering with a Witness (§ 53a-151) does not require force or threats—any attempt to induce lying, withholding testimony, or skipping court can qualify.
• Intimidating a Witness (§ 53a-151a) specifically requires use/attempt/threat of physical force.

• “Don’t testify or else.” After a domestic arrest, the defendant tells the complainant they’ll “regret it” if they appear in court. An implied threat of force aimed at preventing testimony can satisfy § 53a-151a.
• Threatening a relative. A friend of the accused corners a witness’s sibling and warns of harm if the witness appears. The statute covers threats against another person to influence the witness.
• Jail calls. A recorded call warns the victim to “fix your story” or “don’t show up,” coupled with a suggestion of violence. That blends a threat of force with an intent to prevent or corrupt testimony.

• No threat of physical force. Harsh words or pressure without a threat of physical force may not meet § 53a-151a (though it might fit tampering).
• No belief about a proceeding. If the State cannot show you believed a proceeding was pending or imminent, a core element fails.
• Intent is disputed. Angry venting isn’t the same as intending to influence testimony.
• Ambiguous communications. Vague, second-hand, or non-specific statements may not show the force/threat and intent the law requires.
• Suppression issues. Jail calls, device extractions, or recordings can be challenged if obtained unlawfully.

• Protective orders are common in underlying cases. Any contact—especially threatening contact—can trigger new felonies on top of § 53a-151a.
• Bond conditions often tighten quickly when witness safety is raised.
• Immigration: Felony convictions involving threats of force can create severe immigration exposure; steering outcomes away from “force-based” witness offenses is critical for non-citizens.

1) What’s the Difference Between Tampering and Intimidating a Witness?

Tampering (§ 53a-151) covers inducing false testimony, withholding, or no-show—no force required. Intimidating (§ 53a-151a) requires use/attempt/threat of physical force.

No. The focus is on your belief that a proceeding was pending or imminent.

Yes. The law expressly covers threats against “a witness or another person.”

A Class B felony (up to 20 years; up to $15,000 fine).

If there’s no threat of physical force, § 53a-151a may not fit—though other charges (like tampering) could.

Yes. Jail calls are routinely recorded and used in court.

Yes. Anyone who uses or threatens force to influence a witness can be charged—defendants, friends, family, or third parties.

Reducing to tampering or other non-force offenses, securing no-jail outcomes, and minimizing collateral damage (orders, immigration, employment).

The State can still prosecute intimidation based on your conduct; the witness’s preference is not controlling.

Immediately. Early counsel helps prevent harmful communications, addresses protective orders, and shapes negotiations toward reductions or dismissals.

An Intimidating a Witness charge under § 53a-151a carries severe felony exposure and moves quickly. If you or a loved one has been arrested—or even contacted by police—get experienced counsel involved right away. I regularly defend witness-related allegations throughout Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury, and I know how prosecutors build these cases.

📞 Call Allan F. Friedman, Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 for a confidential consultation.Or reach out through my secure online contact form, and I’ll respond promptly with a plan tailored to your situation.