Chapter 918 Section 13 - 2024 Florida Statutes

2024 Florida Statutes

Title XLVII CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND CORRECTIONS

Chapter 918 CONDUCT OF TRIAL

SECTION 13Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

918.13 Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.—

(1) It is unlawful for any person, knowing that a criminal trial, proceeding, or investigation by a duly constituted prosecuting authority, law enforcement agency, grand jury, or legislative committee of this state is pending or is about to be instituted, to:

(a) Alter, destroy, conceal, or remove any record, document, or other item with the purpose to impair its verity or availability in such proceeding or investigation; or

(b) Make, present, or use any record, document, or other item, knowing it to be false.

(2)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who violates subsection (1) commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

(b) A person who violates subsection (1) relating to a criminal trial, proceeding, or investigation that relates to a capital felony commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History.—s. 2, ch. 72-315; s. 1, ch. 2022-84.