21.24 TAMPERING WITH A COURT OFFICIAL
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.
- Instruction
- 21.24
- Statute
- § 918.12(1), Fla. Stat.
- Edition
- Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026
- Official source
- The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Elements
Quoted word for word from the official text. Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026.
To prove the crime of Tampering with a Court Official, the State must prove the following five elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
Give as applicable.
1. (Defendant) knowingly
a. used intimidation or physical force against (name of person).
b. threatened or attempted to threaten (name of person).
c. engaged in misleading conduct toward (name of person).
d. offered pecuniary benefit or gain to (name of person).
2. (Defendant) did so with the intent to cause or induce (name of court official) to obstruct the administration of justice or affect the outcome of an official investigation or official proceeding.
3. The official investigation or official proceeding involved the investigation or prosecution of (insert appropriate type of investigation or proceeding, e.g., first degree murder, dissolution of marriage, etc.).
4. At the time, (name of court official) was a[n] [judge] [justice] [general magistrate] [special magistrate] [grand juror] [petit juror] [clerk of the court] [deputy clerk of the court] [judicial assistant] [administrative assistant] [attorney] [child support enforcement hearing officer] [bailiff] [court deputy].
5. At the time, (defendant) knew (name of court official) was a[n] [judge] [justice] [general magistrate] [special magistrate] [grand juror] [petit juror] [clerk of the court] [deputy clerk of the court] [judicial assistant] [administrative assistant] [attorney] [child support enforcement hearing officer] [bailiff] [court deputy].
Lesser-included offenses
As the instruction lists them, word for word.
TAMPERING WITH A COURT OFFICIAL — 918.12(1)
| CATEGORY ONE | CATEGORY TWO | FLA. STAT. | INS. NO. |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | |||
| Bribery of a Public Official | 838.015 | 19.1 | |
| Unlawful Compensation for Official Behavior | 838.016 | 19.3 | |
| Aggravated Assault | 784.021 | 8.2 | |
| Threat to [Kill] [do Serious Bodily Injury] to a Public Official | 836.12 | 8.22(a) | |
| Assault | 784.011 | 8.1 | |
| Attempt | 777.04(1) | 5.1 |
Related practice page
Tampering With, Harassing, or Retaliating Against a Court Official in Miami
Official source: The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.