(1) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-8-101, and 76-8-501 apply to this section.
(2) An actor commits tampering with a witness if the actor:
(a)
(i) believes that an official proceeding or investigation is pending or about to be instituted; or
(ii) intends to prevent an official proceeding or investigation; and
(b) attempts to induce or otherwise cause another individual to:
(i) testify or inform falsely;
(ii) withhold testimony, information, a document, or an item;
(iii) elude legal process summoning the individual to provide evidence; or
(iv) absent the individual from a proceeding or investigation to which the individual has been summoned.
(3) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony.
(4) A violation under this section does not merge with another substantive offense committed in the course of violating this section.