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Tampering with Physical Evidence Charges in Denver, Colorado

Posted by Kyle B. Sawyer | Oct 23, 2018 | 0 Comments

In Denver and throughout Colorado, Tampering with Physical Evidence is a felony offense. It is important that the evidence at crime scenes stay exactly as they were, or police may not be able to solve the case. Such was the situation in May this year when a Fremont County sheriff's deputy stole “nearly $6,000 worth of silver ingots, coins and other items” during a homicide investigation in Canon City (U.S. NEWS). After noticing differences in crime scene photos, the theft was discovered and the deputy was caught selling items from the crime scene in a surveillance video at a pawn shop. He has been sentenced to two years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for Theft, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and official misconduct. Apparently, this theft made it “nearly impossible to solve the case.”

Definition of Tampering with Physical Evidence in Jefferson County

In Jefferson County, the definition of Tampering with Physical Evidence – C.R.S. 18-8-610 – is this:

(1)  A person commits tampering with physical evidence if, believing that an official proceeding is pending or about to be instituted and acting without legal right or authority, he:

(a)  Destroys, mutilates, conceals, removes, or alters physical evidence with intent to impair its verity or availability in the pending or prospective official proceeding; or

(b)  Knowingly makes, presents, or offers any false or altered physical evidence with intent that it be introduced in the pending or prospective official proceeding.

(2)  “Physical evidence”, as used in this section, includes any article, object, document, record, or other thing of physical substance; except that “physical evidence” does not include a human body, part of a human body, or human remains subject to a violation of section 18-8-610.5.

Adams County Penalty for Tampering With Evidence at a Crime Scene

If you are caught tampering with evidence at a crime scene in Adams County, the consequences are severe.  Tampering with Evidence is a class 6 felony, the penalty of which includes one year to 18 months in prison and a fine between $1,000 and $100,000. As with any other criminal conviction in Colorado, you will also be facing a term of mandatory parole.

Arapahoe County Lawyer for Tampering with Physical Evidence

If you have been contacted by police regarding charges of Tampering with Physical Evidence in Arapahoe County, make sure to remain silent. Police are not your friend, and will use anything you say against you in court. Instead, contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers today at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

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About the Author

Kyle B. Sawyer

I have a passion for defending others in criminal cases. I am able to empathize with my clients and understand their emotions and fears. I have a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and I understand what it feels like to be wrongly accused of a crime.

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If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in the Denver area, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the top criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future. Request a Free Consultation

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