California Penal Code Section 138a There's No Alternative

California Penal Code 138 a

Bribing of a witness regarding trial attendance is not only a serious criminal offense, but can result in a felony on your criminal record. Those who are found to be in violation of Penal Code 138 can lose their ability to take advantage of government assistance and may no longer be allowed to work in the same industry. Too often, those charged with crimes are believed to be guilty by family and friends regardless of whether or not they truly are.

At the Law Offices of Randy Collins, we understand that bad things can happen to good people. Their Orange County white collar attorneys can help you to better understand your charges as well as provide in-depth California penal code information. Call today to receive assistance from experienced legal professionals.

PC 138a Defined

According to California Penal Code 137a, anyone who willfully influences a witness’ trial attendance through bribery is guilty of this crime.

Bribery in the instance of PC 138a is the act of persuading a witness to not show up to a California court for money or something valuable. People who accept or offer a bribe can both be found guilty of this crime.

In order for the state to successfully prosecute your for violating CPC 138, Bribery of Witness Regarding Trial Attendance, prosecutors must be prepared to provide evidence that you intentionally offered a witness money or valuables to dishonestly manipulate their court trial attendance.

There are several scenarios that could result in a charge for bribing of a witness. The following could be considered an example:

Todd is facing charges for drug crimes. Todd believes that the prosecution’s key witness, Barry, is the only evidence that Todd is guilty of his crimes. To increase his chances of success in trial, Todd contacts Barry and offers him his car to not show up on the day of trial. Barry agrees, but later contacts police and informs them of his conversation with Todd. An investigation follows in which Todd now faces charges for violating CPC 138 in addition to his drug crime charges.

Penalties for Violating CPC 138 a

Bribery of Witness Regarding Trial Attendance is a felony, punishable by:

  • 4 Years in the California State Prison

If you are facing Bribery of Witness Regarding Trial Attendance charges for California Penal Code Section 138 a or any other white collar crime, you face an uphill battle. Dissuading a witness may influence a jury to believe that you are guilty of the crime for which you tried to influence a witness. A skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to evaluate all of the evidence in your case to formulate defense strategies that have the potential to get your case dismissed.

Regardless of whether or not you are planning to hire an attorney, call 844-285-9559 and speak with our legal professionals. With more than fifty years of combined Orange County legal experience, you can count on receiving information that will help you make informed decisions.

Continue Reading Read Less

GET DEFENSE FROM AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM OF ATTORNEYS

Over the years our firm has earned numerous awards and accolades for delivering outstanding legal representation. Some of our awards include: Admission to The National Top Trial Lawyers Association since 2014, AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb Rating, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys Award "10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction" in 2018, Nationally Ranked Top 100 Under 40 in California Attorney Award in 2017, Member of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2018, Martindale-Hubbell Accredited Law Firm, Distinguished in Orange County Metro "Top Attorneys" section, and Featured in Orange Coast Magazine in April 2010 as one of "Orange County's Best Criminal Defense Attorneys".

  • Best Criminal Defense in Irvine - 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer In Irvine- 2022
  • Best DUI Lawyer in Santa Ana - 2022
  • Best Criminal Defense Lawyer New Port Beach- 2022
  • 10 Best Attorney
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Under 40
  • avvo 10.0

WHY WE'RE THE RIGHT CHOICE

  • Over 45 years of Collective Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
  • Former Deputy District Attorney
  • Impressive Track Record of Results
  • Highly Respected by Peers and Clients
  • Free Initial Consultation

A Winning REcord

Always Pursuing the Best Possible Result
  • Penalty Reduced | All Other Counts Dismissed Grand Theft
  • Case Dismissed Felony Domestic Violence Battery
  • Case Dismissed Domestic Violence
  • Charges Dismissed Driving on a Suspended License
  • Case Dismissed Felony DUI

GETTING STARTED IS EASY

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

CLient Reviews

At Law Offices of Randy Collins, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "They are such a great team to work with."
    I was new in the US and I didn’t know anything or what to do from Day 1 from presenting my case to Randy. He reassured me that he would help me and that I shouldn’t worry. He was very supportive, responsive to every question no matter how silly it was he was very patient and comforting. He knew exactly how to address the problem and had a plan of action and after a long 2 years, he won my case I appreciate every effort Randy & Chris have done. They are such a great team to work with and I would recommend him in a heartbeat
    Dalia
    "Giving Randy a shot was the best choice."
    Oh man, I thank my lucky stars for attorney Randy and his team. I was able to get a great deal and the best advice!
    Adri
    "Glad I had Randy to guide me through it."
    I had the unfortunate experience of being too drunk one night in DTF which led to a Drunk in Public charge. I was able to hire Randy after looking online for a good lawyer. I ended up paying about $3,500 for his services and he got the case dismissed. It was an easy process. It was my first time getting in trouble with the law, and I am glad I had Randy and Chris there to guide me through.
    Juan
    "Randy is one of the best attorney's you could ever have."
    Randy is one of the best attorneys you could ever have. I’m eternally grateful to Randy and his team for his dedication and professionalism. Randy is very brilliant when it comes to felonies, probation violations, or other criminal cases... Randy is the best lawyer you can have. when other lawyers told me they couldn’t help me out... Randy always told me he can help me and there was never an impossible case to bring in his favor. He was always in touch and keeping me updated on my case, and he gave me the peace and comfort I needed during difficult times. This is the second time he has had to help me stay away from jail. I will never look into other lawyers. I’ll be a loyal client to Randy from now on. You are #1, Randy. Thank you
    Adriana
    "Trustworthy, honest, hard working and caring attorney."
    If anyone needs a trustworthy, honest, hard working and caring attorney, it’s without any doubt, Mr. Randy Collins. I have had many contacts throughout my lifetime, and I have never ran into such a professional in the law field. He’s also a very caring individual that listens to the client and shows great respect.
    Mary
    "The one attorney you want on your side!"
    He is amazing!! I'm am happy to say that my daughter's charges were dismissed! Randy did an excellent job!!! I couldn't have made a better decision the day I called his office.
    Leslie
    "He went above and beyond!"
    Mr. Collins is highly recommended. He really takes the time to listen and answer all your questions. He went above and beyond on helping me out with an issue that was never my fault.
    Erik
    "We are forever thankful to have found Randy."
    I cannot express how grateful I am to Randy and his team for the amazing job representing my dad. He was detailed, dedicated, and truly caring for my family throughout the entire process. We are forever thankful to have found Randy. It is rare to find a legal team that feels like extended family. We truly felt so cared for by him and Chris. His knowledge and expertise helped guide us through a very difficult situation and we are so happy to have found this team. I would refer Randy to anyone looking for legal representation. Randy is the best lawyer to call!!
    Julia