On Tampering with Evidence

In a criminal trial, a key factor that determines the accused person's guilt or innocence will always be the evidence. Evidence give a clear picture of how the events of a crime transpired, and with enough weight, even a single insignificant piece (like a lock of hair or bread crumbs left on a table) can be enough to convict a person.

The importance of evidence cannot be emphasized enough. This is why tampering with the evidence is an act of serious concern for both prosecutors and defense lawyers; even the slightest alteration could change the narrative of the crime and can lead to a false conviction, or the real culprit walking free.

There are many ways evidence can be tampered with. Such methods include:

• presenting false evidence, or evidence that is not related to the crime at hand
• destroying evidence
• substituting false items for actual evidence at the scene of the crime
• purposeful hindering of access to evidence
• threatening witnesses to alter or withhold their testimony

Tampering with evidence is a punishable offence. In Nevada law, it can lead to a category C or category D felony charge.

Know the importance of evidence in criminal defense trials. Talk with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer for more details.