Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: Using threats, force, or corrupt persuasion to influence, delay, or prevent the testimony of a witness or victim in an official proceeding. Witness tampering is a third-degree felony in Florida.
Category: Criminal Offenses · Statute: F.S. 914.22 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 914.22"A person who knowingly uses intimidation or physical force, or threatens another person, or attempts to do so, or engages in misleading conduct toward another person, with intent to... influence, delay, or prevent the testimony of any person in an official proceeding."
Examples
- Threatening a witness to change or recant testimony
- Offering money to a witness to not testify
- Contacting a victim and asking them to "drop the charges"
- Intimidating a co-defendant into not cooperating
Bail Impact
Witness tampering charges often result in bail revocation on the underlying case, plus separate bail on the tampering charge. Bail: $10,000–$50,000.