Federal law makes it a crime for you to try to influence a juror by a written communication (for example, an email). The offense is punishable by six months in federal prison. Please contact a skilled criminal defense attorney now if you or a loved one has been charged with a federal offense.

What is the Federal Crime of Influencing a Juror by Writing?

18 USC 1504 is the federal statute that sets forth the crime of influencing a juror by writing. This law prohibits anyone from attempting to influence the action or decision of any federal grand or petit juror concerning any issue, matter, or duty before that juror or jury by writing or sending a written communication related to that issue or matter.

Examples of “written communications” include:

  • Notes,
  • Letters,
  • Text messages,
  • Greeting cards, and
  • Emails.

The main purpose of this law is to help ensure fair and impartial trials. Attempting to influence a juror through a writing can severely jeopardize the fairness of a trial, potentially leading to mistrials or appeals.

What are the Penalties?

A violation of 18 USC 1504 is punishable by:

  • Custody in federal prison for up to six months, and/or
  • Fines.

Can a Defendant Raise a Legal Defense?

Yes. You have the right to challenge an influencing a juror charge with a legal defense. A common defense is for you to show that while you may have sent a juror a writing, you did not do so with the specific intent to influence their decision.

Your criminal defense attorney can also try to show that federal authorities violated your rights prior to your arrest. For example, maybe they:

  • Arrested you without probable cause,
  • Coerced your confession, or
  • Conducted an unlawful search and seizure.

If any of the above, your defense lawyer can move to have your charges reduced or even dismissed altogether.

Contact Black & Askerov for Help

While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge an influencing a juror charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on various federal charges. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!