 |
Speak Up! - View Question #263 |
 printer friendly version
Question: Is tampering with public records a felony or a misdemeanor?
Answer: Tampering with a Public Record is governed by a specific Arizona Law (ARS 13-2407). Violation of this law is a class six (6) felony. A class 6 felony is punishable by six months in prison up to 2 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
Someone 'tampers with public records' when they knowingly defraud or deceive a person by:
making a public record, knowing it is false,
using a public record, knowing it was falsely made,
filing a public record, knowing it was falsely made,
destroying, concealing, removing or otherwise impairing the availability of a public record or
refusing to deliver a public record.
A 'public record' is defined by Arizona law as official books, papers, written instruments or records created, issued, received or kept by any governmental office or agency required by law to be kept. Public records can range from marriage licenses to memos and even email within government agencies.
|
