Highly Qualified Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Forth Worth and Surrounding Cities
If you are facing charges of tampering with a government record, or have been arrested or are under investigation for this offense, it is critical to work with an experience criminal defense lawyer to help you. Whether you are being falsely accused of this crime, or made a mistake by trying to falsify or destroy an official government document, a conviction can be serious, resulting in harsh monetary fines, a permanent criminal record, and extended jail time. Taking the immediate step of hiring a criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between long term imprisonment and freedom, so call the Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys now to receive the qualified legal representation you deserve.
Tamping with a government record can range from creating or selling false identification cards to falsifying documents used to establish residency in order to enroll a child in a preferred school district. Depending upon the type of document used in the commission of this offense, an alleged wrongdoer could face anywhere from misdemeanor to felony-level charges, resulting in a more severe punishment. For example, if you knowingly use or present a false form of insurance, you could be charged with a class B misdemeanor. However, actually creating false forms of identification or insurance with the intent to defraud could qualify as a second degree felony. Undoubtedly, a misdemeanor arrest is significant however, a felony conviction can be both life altering and tragic. Even innocently intended actions can result in an arrest for tampering with a government record, which is why you need experienced legal counsel to help you.
Keep in mind that if investigators contact you with questions about the crime of which you are being accused, do not make any statements without having a Fort Worth tampering with a government record defense attorney by your side. As most people are aware, anything you say can and most definitely will be used against you in court, so don’t take unnecessary chances representing yourself. A criminal defense attorney will be able to review your legal options, advise you of your rights, and help you to proceed in your case with the most solid and effective defense strategies possible. Don’t sacrifice your rights – contact the Fulgham Hampton Criminal Defense Attorneys today to learn more about how our seasoned criminal defense attorney can make a difference for you.
Tampering with a Government Record
Under the Texas Penal Code § 37.10 entitled “Tampering with a Government Record,” the law provides in pertinent part that: “(a) [a] person commits an offense if he:
(1) knowingly makes a false entry in, or false alteration of, a governmental record; (2) makes, presents, or uses any record, document, or thing with knowledge of its falsity and with intent that it be taken as a genuine governmental record; (3) intentionally destroys, conceals, removes, or otherwise impairs the verity, legibility, or availability of a governmental record; (4) possesses, sells, or offers to sell a governmental record or a blank governmental record form with intent that it be used unlawfully; (5) makes, presents, or uses a governmental record with knowledge of its falsity; or (6) possesses, sells, or offers to sell a governmental record or a blank governmental record form with knowledge that it was obtained unlawfully.”
Typical examples of tampering with a government record include:
- Possessing, creating, purchasing or selling false identification documents such as a driver’s license, proof of insurance, or U.S. passport;
- Altering or creating jury forms;
- Possessing, creating, purchasing or selling a face driver’s license, whether from Texas or another state; and
- Possessing, creating, purchasing or selling false car insurance documents or cards.
There are several defenses that can be raised on behalf of a person charged with tampering with a government record. To learn more about how you can challenge your criminal charges, contact our seasoned team of criminal defense lawyers today. We have the experience, skill and dedication to help fight for your rights and potentially have your charges reduced, if not completely dropped. While we cannot guarantee a certain outcome in your case, we will take all measures legally possible to maximize your chances of receiving a favorable outcome.
Seasoned Former Fort Worth Criminal Prosecutor Ready to Help You Now
If you or someone you love has been charged with tampering with a government record or some other misdemeanor or felony crime in Texas, contact our Forth Worth, Arlington and Tarrant County lawyers now at (817) 877-3030.