2006 Utah Code - 76-8-510.5 — Tampering with evidence -- Elements -- Penalties.

     76-8-510.5.   Tampering with evidence in noncriminal official proceedings -- Elements -- Penalties.
     (1) A person is guilty of tampering with evidence if, believing that an official proceeding or investigation is pending or about to be instituted, or with the intent to prevent an official proceeding or investigation, the person knowingly or intentionally:
     (a) alters, destroys, conceals, or removes any thing or item with the purpose of impairing the veracity or availability of the thing or item in the proceeding or investigation; or
     (b) makes, presents, or uses any thing or item which he knows to be false with the purpose of deceiving a public servant who is or may be engaged in the proceeding or investigation.
     (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to any offense that amounts to a violation of Section 76-8-306.
     (3) (a) Tampering with evidence is a third degree felony if the offense is committed in an official proceeding.
     (b) Any violation of this section except under Subsection (3)(a) is a class A misdemeanor.

Amended by Chapter 41, 2005 General Session