8.14 Bribery of Witnesses (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(3)) is a federal crime that refers to offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving of anything of value to influence the testimony of a witness in an official proceeding. This includes influencing the content of testimony or the witness’s decision to testify or not. The term “official proceeding” includes any federal, state, or local court proceeding; Congressional hearing or investigation; or other government-related inquiry. There are two types of 8.14 Bribery of Witnesses (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(b)(3)): direct and indirect bribery. Direct bribery includes offering, giving, or receiving anything of value to directly influence a witness’s testimony. Indirect bribery includes offering, giving, or receiving anything of value to influence a witness’s testimony through a third party. Both types of bribery are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.