If you have been charged with tampering with evidence in Florida then you may have a defense. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about how to beat your tampering case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
Tampering with evidence in Florida is defined under Florida Statute 918.13. A person commits the crime of tampering with evidence when knowing that a criminal trial, proceeding or law enforcement investigation is pending or instituted, and they either:
- alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document or thing with the purpose of impairing its verity or availability in such trial, proceeding or investigation; or
- knowingly create, present or use any false record, document, or thing.
Tampering with evidence is a third-degree felony, meaning you can be sentenced to up to 5 years in prison, or up to 5 years on probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also be sentenced to a jail or prison sentence followed by probation but the total length of the sentence cannot exceed 5 years).
Criminal convictions, especially convictions involving obstruction, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with tampering with evidence in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.