Fort Worth Tampering With Physical Evidence Defense Lawyer

Experienced Attorney for People Accused of Tampering With Evidence in Fort Worth, TX

During a criminal case, law enforcement agents often conduct detailed investigations in order to figure out what happened. Hindering a police investigation by covering up possible evidence is not taken lightly in Texas, as the offense carries the real possibility of prison time depending on the circumstances. If you or somebody you love has been charged with tampering with evidence, contact a Fort Worth, TX tampering with physical evidence defense attorney.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we understand the seriousness of a tampering charge, and we are ready to put up a strong defense on your behalf in court. Attorney Edwardo Meza has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews for his honest service and exceptional representation, making him a trustworthy source of legal guidance.

What Does It Mean to Tamper With Evidence?

Tampering with evidence in Texas involves changing, destroying, or hiding an item to keep it from being used in a criminal investigation or court case. The item can be almost anything, including a document, phone, weapon, piece of clothing, video, or illegal substance. This charge applies when the person knew an investigation was in progress or knew that a crime had already been committed.

Tampering is generally a third-degree felony, which carries two years to a decade in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The state must prove that you acted with the goal of making the item unavailable, unreadable, or less reliable as evidence. A person who throws away an item without knowing it had any connection to a case may not have committed this offense.

In addition, dropping an item in plain view of an officer is not always the same as hiding it. Our attorney can also challenge whether you actually knew about an investigation or an offense at the time.

How the State of Texas Prosecutes Fabrication of Evidence

Fabrication of evidence involves creating, presenting, or using a false item while knowing it is false, with the goal of influencing an investigation or court case. Examples may include altering a receipt, creating fake text messages, editing a photo or video, or giving police a forged document. Fabrication carries the same third-degree felony penalties as tampering.

To prosecute a fabrication case, the state must show that you knew the item was false and that you meant for it to affect the outcome of a legal proceeding. Honest mistakes do not meet this standard. You may have believed the item was accurate, received it from someone else, or never intended for it to reach police or the court. Our attorney can review metadata, timestamps, and the source of the evidence to challenge the state's claims about falsity and intent.

What Happens When Someone Tampers With or Fails to Report a Dead Body?

Tampering with a dead body is treated far more seriously than other forms of evidence tampering. When the item altered, destroyed, or hidden is a human body, the charge rises to a second-degree felony. A conviction can lead to up to 20 years in prison along with a potential $10,000 fine.

Texas law also requires certain people to report a body. A person can be charged if they see a body under circumstances where someone would reasonably think that a crime took place, and they know or should know that police are not aware of the body or its location. Failing to report in that situation is generally a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to a year in county jail as well as a fine not to exceed $4,000.

Several defenses may apply in these cases. A person may have reasonably believed the death was natural or accidental rather than the result of a crime. They may have believed police already knew about the body. In other situations, the state may not be able to prove the person ever saw the body. When a body was moved, the state must still prove the person meant to interfere with an investigation. Acting out of panic, grief, or confusion does not always show that intent.

Meet With Our Fort Worth, Texas Tampering With Physical Evidence Defense Attorney

An evidence tampering accusation can lead to serious felony consequences, often on top of other charges. At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we examine the facts carefully to make sure nothing is overlooked. Contact our Fort Worth, TX tampering with physical evidence defense lawyer or call 817-732-6392 to set up a free consultation.