Utah statute

Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5 — Tampering with evidence.

Current through 2026 General Session

Part of Part 5: Falsification in Official Matters, Utah Code.

Criminal charges under this statute

Tampering with evidence

Full text of Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5

Statutory text current through the 2026 General Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Utah.

Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5Primary source, current through the 2026 General Session

(1)(a) As used in this section, "thing or item" includes any document, record book, paper, file, electronic compilation, or other evidence. (1)(b) Terms defined in Sections 76-1-101.5, 76-8-101, and 76-8-501 apply to this section. (2) An actor commits tampering with evidence if the actor: (2)(a)(i) believes that an official proceeding or investigation is pending or about to be instituted; or (2)(a)(ii) intends to prevent an official proceeding or investigation or to prevent the production of a thing or item which reasonably would be anticipated to be evidence in the official proceeding or investigation; and (2)(b) knowingly or intentionally: (2)(b)(i) alters, destroys, conceals, or removes a thing or item with the purpose of impairing the veracity or availability of the thing or item in the proceeding or investigation; or (2)(b)(ii) makes, presents, or uses a thing or item which the actor knows to be false with the purpose of deceiving a public servant or other party who is or may be engaged in the proceeding or investigation. (3)(a) Except as provided in Subsection (3)(b), a violation of Subsection (2) is a class A misdemeanor. (3)(b) A violation of Subsection (2) is a third degree felony if the offense is committed in conjunction with an official proceeding. (4) Subsection (2) does not apply to any offense that amounts to a violation of Section 76-8-306.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is tampering with evidence a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

It depends on the circumstances: tampering with evidence ranges from a Class A Misdemeanor to a Third Degree Felony in Utah under Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5.

Tampering with evidence - general: Class A Misdemeanor (Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5(3)(a)) · Tampering with evidence - in conjunction with official proceeding: Third Degree Felony (Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5(3)(b))

Which Utah statute covers tampering with evidence?

Tampering with evidence is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-8-510.5 (Tampering with evidence).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.