Alleged victim & witness pretrial interviews

[codon blue]

Hello, I live in Washington State, and I have a good friend who is currently in jail awaiting trial after being arrested three months ago for residential burglary. He wrote to me and asked for my help. I am not an attorney, but I do have a fair amount of legal knowledge and reference ability. My friend has a court-appointed attorney who is very busy and who has postponed the trial because he hasn't had a chance to do anything with the case. My friend is frustrated, and has asked for me to talk to the alleged victim and witnesses, however I am concerned about any legal ramifications this could have. Can anyone tell me whether legally I am allowed to interview these people?
Thank you for your help,
LindaWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[You Are Guilty]

Is there a law against it? No. (Assuming ALL you do is ask questions. Attempting to coerce or intimidate them, in any way, is decidedly illegal).

But is it a smart idea? Not even remotely.

 

[Antigone*]

Hello, I live in Washington State, and I have a good friend who is currently in jail awaiting trial after being arrested three months ago for residential burglary. He wrote to me and asked for my help. I am not an attorney, but I do have a fair amount of legal knowledge and reference ability. My friend has a court-appointed attorney who is very busy and who has postponed the trial because he hasn't had a chance to do anything with the case. My friend is frustrated, and has asked for me to talk to the alleged victim and witnesses, however I am concerned about any legal ramifications this could have. Can anyone tell me whether legally I am allowed to interview these people?
Thank you for your help,
LindaWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

You should stay out of it. First of all, you are not an attorney. I'm sure witness tampering is not something you'd like to be accused of. Your personal involvement may very well hurt his case.