Tampering With Public Records Or Information (N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7) charges make several types of conduct illegal, with charges graded based on the intent of the defendant. The following actions are graded as a disorderly persons offense, with a sentence of up to six months, except when they are committed with the purpose to defraud or injure anyone, which bumps the charge up to a crime of the third degree, with a sentence of between three and five years:
- Knowingly making a false entry in or false alteration to a government record
- Filing or using false documents or records owned or kept by the government
- Purposely and unlawfully destroying, concealing, or mutilating such records.
Additionally, the statute also criminalizes the destruction or disabling of a camera or other monitoring device, as well as the resulting video or audio footage, that is used in police patrol vehicles. This is a crime of the fourth degree, and carries a sentence of up to 18 months if convicted.
Beside the potential for time spent in jail or prison for violating 2C:28-7, you’ll also face fines if convicted. For a disorderly persons offense, fines are up to $1,000. A fourth degree crime conviction results in a fine of up to $10,000, and if you’re convicted of a third degree crime, you may have to pay the state $15,000.
Don’t take chances when it comes to dealing with the fallout of a criminal conviction. Especially at the fourth and third degree levels, you’ll be stuck with a felony record because of criminal charges and face a lifetime of complications. Matthew Reisig defends people in New Jersey against Tampering charges. Call 732-625-9661 today and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.