What Does TAMPER/FABRICATE PHYS EVD W/INT Mean?
People see “TAMPER/FABRICATE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE WITH INTENT” on a court document or jail record and want to know what it means.
- TAMPER = Tamper With
- FABRICATE = Fabricate
- PHYS EVD = Physical Evidence
- W/INT = With Intent (to impair its availability as evidence)
The charge is altering, destroying, or concealing physical evidence—or making fake evidence—knowing that an investigation or proceeding is pending or in progress, with intent to affect the outcome. Common examples include destroying drugs during an arrest or hiding a weapon.
The statute and the punishment
The offense is defined in section 37.09 of the Texas Penal Code. The punishment is a third-degree felony: 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the evidence is connected to a first-degree felony or capital felony investigation, the offense can be a second-degree felony.
If your loved one has been arrested for this charge, read If Your Loved One Has Been Arrested.