Georgia Man Sentenced to Life for Murder and Tampering with Evidence

According to reports out of Paulding, a man was convicted of murder, arson, and tampering with evidence.

The man was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of killing a woman and burning all the evidence of the crime.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will only cover one of the offenses faced by the man in today's post - tampering with evidence.

Tampering with Evidence in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines tampering with evidence in Georgia as:

A person commits the crime of tampering with evidence when they knowingly destroy, alter, conceal, or disguise physical evidence. O.C.G.A. §16-10-94.

According to Georgia law, tampering with evidence can also be accomplished by making, devising, preparing, or planting false evidence. The intent of the tampering can be to either prevent the apprehension of a person or to obstruct the prosecution or defense of the accused.

Tampering with evidence can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense in Georgia. The severity of the classification and therefore of the penalty depends on the circumstances of the offense.

Tampering with evidence is classified as a felony if a person tampers with evidence during the prosecution of a felony that involves another person. If convicted, they will face a penalty of one to three years in prison. Tampering with evidence during the prosecution of a serious violent felony involving someone else will also result in the defendant being charged with a felony. Further, the punishment will include a prison term of one and ten years.

Tampering with evidence is classified as a misdemeanor if a person tampers with the evidence regarding his own case. If convicted, they will face a penalty of a fine up to $1,000 and 12 months in jail.

Practice Note

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