11 Mar Case Tampering Is a Serious Crime in Arizona
Tampering with a criminal case can have very serious consequences. Any attempt to influence the outcome of a case by altering the physical evidence or by influencing the testimony of a witness is a felony. There are heavy fines for case tampering in Arizona, as well as the possibility of a prison sentence. Keep reading for more details.
The Two Types of Case Tampering
The term “case tampering” can include things like making unauthorized changes to documents, interfering with physical evidence, or acting as a corrupting influence on a witness. There are two separate types of case tampering charges: evidence tampering and witness tampering.
Evidence Tampering
Physical or biological evidence is often an important part of a criminal case. Anyone who messes with this evidence, with the intention of changing the outcome of a trial, is guilty of physical evidence tampering under Arizona law.
Acts that qualify as evidence tampering include:
- Destroying evidence
- Mutilating evidence
- Altering evidence
- Hiding evidence
- Removing evidence from a designated area
- Producing false evidence
- Preventing evidence from being turned in to authorities
Witness Tampering
Witnesses can provide testimony for either the prosecution or the defense during a criminal trial. Witness tampering is the act of intimidating or influencing a witness. Intimidation can come in the form of direct or indirect communication. It can involve threats, bribery, and other forms of influence as well.
Witness tampering means coercing a witness into:
- Withholding testimony
- Giving a false testimony
- Refusing to attend legal proceedings
- Evading a court summons
A witness who does one of the above could also be convicted of a crime.
Consequences of Case Tampering in Arizona
Evidence tampering and witness tampering are both class 6 felonies. Not only can a class 6 felony land you anywhere from 3 months to nearly 6 years in prison, but there are also heavy fines as well as court fees to be paid.
Even worse, a criminal record can have effects that last a lifetime. A felony conviction can affect your eligibility for employment, and it will limit the types of professional licenses you can hold. Housing can also be affected if a prospective landlord does a background check, because felonies are public records in Arizona.
Don’t let a felony conviction ruin your life—if you have been charged with a crime, you need to consult a certified defense lawyer.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona
Being charged with any crime is a serious matter. If you are involved in a criminal trial, it is important to consult a lawyer before you do anything that could affect the evidence. And if you are the defendant, the additional charge of case tampering can negatively affect your trial, making it difficult for a judge or jury to feel any sympathy.
Hiring a certified criminal attorney is the best way to fight the charges against you. Todd Coolidge has over 25 years of experience as a defense lawyer in Arizona. His personal beliefs mean your case will always be taken seriously, and never neglected or handed off to someone less experienced. Contact the Coolidge Law team today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/11/25). Photo by Devin Avery on Unsplash.