How Do You Know If You Are Tampering With Evidence?
You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you if you are being charged with tampering with evidence in the state of Texas. You may have already been arrested or you may currently be under investigation. It is important that you take legal action as soon as possible by retaining an attorney to protect your legal rights.
Facing a criminal conviction is stressful, unpredictable, and confusing. If you are convicted of tampering with evidence under Texas law, then you may have limited employment options and other effects on your life. Contact the Law Office of Brent D. Bowen, PLLC in Lewisville, Texas today if you are facing criminal charges. An experienced Lewisville criminal defense attorney can help navigate the criminal justice system.
Tampering with Evidence and Texas Law
Many different activities may constitute tampering with evidence under Texas Penal Code § 37.09. If an individual consciously chooses to destroy or conceal evidence, then the charge may rise from a misdemeanor to a felony. Tampering with evidence may include some of the following actions:
- Breaking an electronic device such as a cellular phone or laptop computer
- Erasing important files or metadata on an electronic device when the information contained in these files may be used as evidence
- Destroying physical documents ordered to be produced by court subpoena
- Swallowing illegal substances or flushing illegal substances in an attempt to evade arrest
- Stowing away or hiding a firearm that was during the commission of a crime
If you face a third-degree felony evidence tampering charge, you can face two to ten years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Facing a felony conviction has serious consequences that can alter your life forever. Losing the right to vote until you finish your sentence and facing a serious diminishment of employment prospects are only two of the consequences that result from being convicted of a felony in Texas.
What Constitutes Tampering with Evidence in the State of Texas?
Tampering with evidence means altering, fabricating, or destroying evidence when the individual engaged in this activity knows an ongoing or pending investigation exists that might uncover the evidence. An individual may be charged with tampering with evidence after altering or fabricating records or documents if the individual knows the records or documents may be important to an ongoing investigation.
If you are planning on turning documents over to law enforcement officers, you first need to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. You do not want to unknowingly face a tampering with evidence charge. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you understand your obligation to provide properly requested documents and records to law enforcement officers.
Contact a Lewisville Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
An experienced Lewisville criminal defense attorney can help you understand your legal rights and the possible consequences of different charges. Do not go up against the power of the state alone. Contact the Law Office of Brent D. Bowen, PLLC today to schedule a free case review.
