Author: Jon Ross
Practice area: threats
Jon is a Senior Associate at Doogue + George with over 20 years of exclusive criminal defence experience, including serious violent crime and gang-related matters across London's Magistrates' and Crown Courts. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Jon authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of Offence to Harass Witnesses?
The offence of harassing a witness criminalises conduct that interferes with the integrity of the criminal justice process by targeting people involved in criminal cases. It is designed to safeguard court participants from pressure or intimidation connected to their role in a criminal matter.
Key points
- Legislation: Section 52A of the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic).
- Elements: Harassment of a person because they have taken part, are taking part, or will take part in a criminal proceeding.
- Usual court level: Magistrates’ Court
The maximum penalty for Offence to Harass Witnesses is 120 penalty units ($25,092 as at 2026-27) or imprisonment for 12 months.
Common defences may include disputing that the conduct amounted to harassment or that it was connected to a criminal proceeding.
Have you been accused of Harassing a Witness? This is a serious allegation which you must make sure you get legal advice about as soon as possible.
Police Interview
Did you know that police can arrest and interview you based solely on what someone says you did? If this happens, you must call us to speak with one of our experienced criminal defence lawyers.
It is common for these sorts of cases to be ‘word against word’. In this situation, it is more important than ever to seek criminal law advice from an expert criminal lawyer before attending a police interview. One of our criminal lawyers will provide you with clear advice about the best course in your particular circumstances – whether to answer questions, or to say ‘no comment’.
Pleading Not Guilty
One of our experienced criminal defence lawyers can prepare a defence strategy for you if intend on pleading not guilty to Harass a Witness.
Pleading not guilty to a criminal charge can be complex and overwhelming. An expert criminal lawyer will clearly explain the procedure involved in contesting a charge so that you understand each step in the Court process.
Your lawyer will also work with you to unravel the facts in your particular case, analyse the evidence police say supports the charge against you, and advocate in your defence at Court.
Pleading Guilty
If you are pleading guilty to the offence of Harassing a Witness, one of our expert criminal lawyers will ensure your matter is thoroughly prepared and that your personal circumstances are clearly presented to the Magistrate. Appearing in court can be daunting and stressful, but our lawyers will guide you through every step of the process. With proper legal representation, we work to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.
Sentencing
Sentencing in the higher courts of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) s 52A — 18 charges, higher courts, 1 July 2019 – 30 June 2024.
| Outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 66.7% |
| Other | 27.8% |
| Community Correction Order | 5.6% |
The data indicates a strong likelihood of a custodial sentence at this level, reflecting the seriousness of interfering with the justice process. The court will consider factors such as the nature of the harassment, the impact on the witness and any prior history before determining penalty. Careful preparation and experienced advocacy are essential where imprisonment is a real risk.
Sentencing in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria
Source: Sentencing Advisory Council of Victoria (SACStat), Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic) s 52A — 100 charges across 93 cases, Magistrates’ Court, 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2023.
| Outcome | % |
|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 49.0% |
| Community Correction Order | 21.0% |
| Fine | 15.0% |
| Adjourned Undertaking | 14.0% |
| Discharge/Dismissal | 1.0% |
These figures demonstrate that imprisonment is a significant possibility, although courts also regularly impose community-based supervision or financial penalties depending on the circumstances. Sentencing will depend on the seriousness of the conduct, its impact on the witness and the offender’s prior history. Early legal advice can assist in achieving the best possible outcome.
Which court will the case be heard in?
The offence of harassing witnesses is the sort of charge regularly heard in the Magistrates’ Court.
What is the legal definition of Offence to Harass Witnesses?
An accused commits an offence if they harass a person because that person has taken part, is about to take part or is taking part in a criminal proceeding in any court as a witness or in any other capacity.
Examples of Offence to Harass Witnesses
- Your brother has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend. You call the girlfriend and tell her that she shouldn’t be a witness for the prosecution. She tells you to leave her alone. You later turn up at her house and tell her you won’t leave until she agrees not to be a witness.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found in section 52A of Summary Offences Act 1966.
Elements of the offence
To prove this charge, the prosecution prove the following beyond reasonable doubt:
- The accused harassed a person; and
- The accused did so because the person has taken part, was about to take part, or was taking part in a criminal proceeding in some capacity.
1) Did the accused harass a person?
‘Harass’ has its ordinary meaning. An accused will harass a witness if they subject them to aggressive pressure or intimidation. The court will look at all the circumstances to determine whether the accused was harassing the witness.
2) The accused did so because the person has taken part, was about to take part, or was taking part in a criminal proceeding in some capacity
This element is very broad. You must not harass a witness who took part in a proceeding five years ago, or witness who is going to take part in a proceeding in a year, or a witness currently taking part in a proceeding. It must be a criminal proceeding, not a civil proceeding.
The victim does not need to be a ‘witness’ – it is sufficient if the accused harasses someone who takes part in a criminal proceeding ‘in any other capacity’. This could mean someone who agrees to help the police with their investigation, or the lawyer for the prosecution, or an expert witness, or a court translator.
Defences
Defences to this charge can include a factual dispute, lack of intent, or the concept of beyond reasonable doubt.
You should ring us and discuss your case if you have been charged. Deciding on whether to plead guilty or not has consequences for you and should be made after proper discussion with a criminal lawyer.
Questions in cases like this
- Did you harass the witness?
- Was the witness taking part in a criminal proceeding?
Maximum penalty for section 52A of Summary Offences Act 1966
The maximum penalty for Offence to Harass Witnesses (s52A of Summary Offences Act 1966) is 120 penalty units ($25,092 as at 2026-27) or imprisonment for 12 months. This is a substantial maximum penalty for a summary offence. It reflects the fact that the court takes these types of offences seriously.
