Key Provisions of the Law

To begin with, the law revises several statutes and introduces new sections:

• Threats or Harassment (§ 836.12, F.S.)
  A person who threatens or harasses officials such as judges, clerks, or assistants can now face criminal charges.
• Tampering with Court Officials (§ 918.12, F.S.)
  Using intimidation, misleading conduct, or bribery to sway court officials qualifies as tampering. Depending on the case, penalties range from a third-degree felony to a life felony.
• Harassing Court Officials (§ 918.12, F.S.)
  When harassment prevents jurors or officials from fulfilling their duties, the conduct may be charged as a misdemeanor or elevated to felony levels.
• Retaliation Against Court Officials (§ 918.125, F.S.)
  Retaliating against officials for their role in proceedings or investigations constitutes a third-degree felony. If the retaliation causes bodily injury, the charge escalates to a second-degree felony.
• Racketeering and Criminal Activity Enhancements
  Because these offenses are now included in Florida’s racketeering statutes, prosecutors have additional leverage in complex cases.

Why the Change Matters

This legislation highlights Florida’s commitment to protecting its judicial process. For defendants, however, the law creates more pathways for prosecutors to add charges to existing cases. Consequently, a single incident may now trigger multiple felony counts.

With penalties ranging from a misdemeanor to a life felony, the consequences can alter a person’s entire future. Therefore, anyone under investigation or accused of these offenses should act quickly. Early intervention by a skilled defense attorney can often make a decisive difference in the outcome.

Contact Our Office Today

If you or a loved one has been accused of tampering with, harassing, or retaliating against a court official, you should not face the system alone. The Brancato Law Firm, P.A. brings over 25 years of courtroom experience in major crimes defense throughout Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.

Call (813) 727-7159 today to schedule a confidential consultation and start protecting your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who qualifies as a “court official” under this law?

A: The statute includes judges, justices, jurors, clerks, bailiffs, attorneys, judicial assistants, and administrative assistants.

Q: What does the law consider harassment?

A: Harassment refers to conduct that causes substantial emotional distress, serves no legitimate purpose, and directly targets a court official.

Q: Can charges apply without physical violence?

A: Yes. Threats, intimidation, or attempts to influence court officials can lead to criminal charges, even without physical force.

Q: What happens if retaliation results in injury?

A: The charge escalates to a second-degree felony, which carries far harsher penalties.

Q: Are attorneys exempt?

A: Yes. The law makes clear that attorneys performing their professional duties do not fall under these provisions.