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California criminal charge

Tampering with a jury in California

MisdemeanorCurrent through 2026 California legislative session

Tampering with a jury is a Misdemeanor under California criminal law, defined by Cal. Penal Code § 116.5. As a Misdemeanor, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range California sets for that offense class. California sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.

Defined by Cal. Penal Code § 116.5.

What is the penalty for tampering with a jury in California?

Penalties for Tampering with a jury
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 6 months (county jail (default under Cal. Penal Code § 19); many misdemeanors prescribe their own term up to 364 days (Penal Code §§ 18.5/19.2 cap))discretionaryCal. Penal Code § 19
Fineup to $1,000 (default under Cal. Penal Code § 19; court assessments are additional)discretionaryCal. Penal Code § 19

Applies to current; the § 19 default applies only where the offense prescribes no other punishment.

Common questions about tampering with a jury in California

Is tampering with a jury a felony or a misdemeanor in California?

Tampering with a jury is a misdemeanor in California under Cal. Penal Code § 116.5.

What are the penalties for tampering with a jury in California?

As a misdemeanor, tampering with a jury carries up to 6 months (no mandatory minimum) of incarceration and a fine of up to $1,000 (no mandatory minimum) under Cal. Penal Code § 19 (current; the § 19 default applies only where the offense prescribes no other punishment).

Which California statute covers tampering with a jury?

Tampering with a jury is governed by Cal. Penal Code § 116.5.

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.