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TCA 39-16-503

Tampering with or fabricating evidence

FELONY CClass C Felony
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

It is illegal to alter, destroy, hide, or create fake records, documents, or physical evidence when you know an investigation or court proceeding is happening, if you intend to affect the evidence or the outcome of the case. A conviction is a Class C felony punishable by 3-15 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass C Felony
Maximum Jail3-15 years
Maximum Fine$10,000
Penalty SummaryClass C felony; 3-15 years; fine up to $10,000
(a) It is unlawful for any person, knowing that an investigation or official proceeding is pending or in progress, to: (1) Alter, destroy, or conceal any record, document or thing with intent to impair its verity, legibility, or availability as evidence in the investigation or official proceeding; or (2) Make, present, or use any record, document or thing with knowledge of its falsity and with intent to affect the course or outcome of the investigation or official proceeding. (b) A violation of this section is a Class C felony.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

FELONY C
TCA Section39-16-503
Max Jail3-15 years
Max Fine$10,000
Recent Bookings8+

Geographic Distribution

Davidson
59
Knox
36
Putnam
30
Hamilton
20
Shelby
14
Sumner
11
Sevier
11
Fayette
11
Campbell
11
Anderson
11
McMinn
10
Giles
9

+ 22 more counties