Any person who is caught by Tampering with Physical Evidence in Denver, or anywhere in Colorado, will be facing serious felony charges. Police require crime scenes to remain exactly as they were in order for them to have a chance at solving the case. Perhaps you were caught by an officer, turned in by a friend, recorded on camera, or maybe even crime scene photos showed differences, prompting an investigation (such as in THIS case). You may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, or have been falsely accused of moving or taking something from an official proceeding. Regardless of the circumstances, make sure to politely exercise your right to remain silent if contacted by police. They are not your friend and will use anything you say against you.
Definition of Tampering with Physical Evidence in Denver, Colorado
C.R.S. 18-8-610
(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.
What is considered physical evidence in an official proceeding in Arapahoe County?
“Physical evidence” in an official proceeding in Arapahoe County, as used in C.R.S. 18-8-610, 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 (see below).
Tampering with a Deceased Human Body is Different than Tampering with Physical Evidence in Jefferson County
18-8-610.5. Tampering with a deceased human body – Definition
(1) A person commits tampering with a deceased human body if, believing that an official proceeding is pending, in progress, or about to be instituted and acting without legal right or authority, the person willfully destroys, mutilates, conceals, removes, or alters a human body, part of a human body, or human remains with intent to impair its or their appearance or availability in the official proceedings.
(2) Tampering with a deceased human body is a class 3 felony.
What is the Penalty for Tampering with Physical Evidence in Adams County?
Tampering with physical evidence is a class 6 felony in Adams County. If convicted, you will be facing a minimum sentence of one year in the Colorado Department of Corrections and a fine of $1,000. The maximum penalty for a class 6 felony in Colorado is 18 months in prison and a fine up to $100,000. As with any other criminal conviction in Colorado, you will also be facing a term of mandatory parole. Having a felony conviction on your record will make it tough to find housing, pass background checks, and to get a job. These charges have the power to ruin your future, and you have the power to fight them with an experienced lawyer leading the way.
Douglas County Lawyer for Tampering with Physical Evidence
Tampering with Physical Evidence is a serious charge. If you are contacted by police, be smart. Exercise your right to remain silent and contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Sawyer Legal Group. Call us today at 303-830-0880 to set up a free consultation, or to schedule a jail visit. Together, we can protect your future.