SIGNED! Fields’ Bipartisan Bill to Protect Witnesses, Help Law Enforcement Solve Crimes Becomes Law

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed Senator Rhonda Fields’ (D-Aurora) bipartisan bill into law that will help investigators solve crimes and prevent witness intimidation.

SB22-024, co-sponsored by Senator John Cooke (R-Greeley), will prevent witness intimidation and help investigators solve crimes by expanding the definition of witness intimidation to cover additional acts.

“We need to protect witnesses at all costs so we can ensure perpetrators are brought to justice and families can heal and move forward without fear,” said Sen. Fields. “With this new law, we will be able to better protect victims while preventing witnesses from intimidation or pressure to withhold vital information from law enforcement. I’m proud to have played a role in this initiative, which will help reduce crime and give law enforcement the tools they need to hold criminals accountable.”

Under the bill, witness intimidation will include a threat or act that is directed at a person that the perpetrator believes may have relevant information or may be able to exert influence upon a witness or a victim. The legislation will also allow prosecutors to charge the crime of intimidating a witness if the perpetrator attempts to or does persuade a witness to withhold information.