---
title: "Witness Tampering Defense"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/witness-tampering-defense-145-en"
field: "Criminal Law"
description: "Article 372 — witness tampering in Georgia: fines up to nine years in prison. Lawyer help for both sides Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-14"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Witness Tampering Defense

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/witness-tampering-defense-145-en

## What Article 372 of the Criminal Code of Georgia regulates

Article 372 of the Criminal Code of Georgia protects the administration of justice: it establishes liability for the unlawful influencing of a person to be interrogated, a witness, a victim, an expert or an interpreter. Under the law, such influence is aimed at making the person provide false information or give false testimony, give a fabricated conclusion, refuse to provide information or to testify, translate incorrectly, or alter the information, testimony or conclusion he or she has provided.

This norm is directed at protecting the integrity of evidence, and its violation harms a fair investigation and trial. If a charge under this article concerns your family, or if you are the victim of such influence, it is important to know the exact content of the norm and every tier of the punishment.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/witness-tampering-defense-145-en

### What punishment is provided for witness tampering?

For the basic composition — a fine, community service from one hundred and eighty to two hundred and forty hours, corrective labour for up to two years or imprisonment from one to three years. For bribery or coercion — imprisonment from three to six years; with violence — from five to eight years; where dangerous to life or health — from six to nine years.

### Which persons are protected by this norm?

A person to be interrogated, a witness, a victim, an expert and an interpreter. Influence on any of these persons may be classified under this article.

### What does bribery mean under this article?

The bribery of a person aimed at obtaining false information or false testimony, a fabricated conclusion, incorrect translation, a refusal, or an alteration of information — where it is accompanied by the offer of any kind of property benefit.

### Can a legal person be held liable?

Yes — under the note to the law, for acts provided for by this article a legal person is punishable by a fine or by deprivation of the right to carry out an activity and by a fine.