What is the punishment for tampering with a witness if the case is classified as a capital felony?

Tampering with a witness in a case classified as a capital felony is punished as a 1st degree felony. This classification reflects the serious nature of both the crime of witness tampering and the underlying crime being a capital felony, which typically involves severe consequences. The law recognizes that tampering with witnesses can fundamentally undermine the justice system and the prosecution of particularly serious offenses. By assigning a 1st degree felony punishment, the legal framework prioritizes the integrity of legal proceedings, especially when the stakes involve capital felony charges, which may include crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment.

In summary, the classification as a 1st degree felony emphasizes the importance of witness testimonies in capital cases and the severe ramifications of attempting to influence or interfere with those testimonies.