Ohio HB478 creates a jury tampering offense and revises court intimidation offenses.

Ohio HB478 amends the Revised Code to create a new offense of jury tampering. It prohibits knowingly influencing, intimidating, or hindering a juror in the discharge of their duties. The bill also revises the offense of intimidation of an attorney, victim, witness, or public servant in a criminal case. It expands the definition of intimidation to include public servants and removes certain exceptions. Violations are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies based on the method used.

Ohio HB478 creates a jury tampering offense and revises court intimidation offenses.

Ohio HB478 amends the Revised Code to create a new offense of jury tampering. It prohibits knowingly influencing, intimidating, or hindering a juror in the discharge of their duties. The bill also revises the offense of intimidation of an attorney, victim, witness, or public servant in a criminal case. It expands the definition of intimidation to include public servants and removes certain exceptions. Violations are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies based on the method used.