Destruction of Evidence

California Penal Code §135

California Penal Code §135 makes it a crime to knowingly destroy or conceal  evidence that is relevant to a legal proceeding, such as any trial or investigation.

§135 A person who, knowing that any book, paper, record, instrument in writing, digital image, video recording owned by another, or other matter or thing, is about to be produced in evidence upon a trial, inquiry, or investigation, authorized by law, willfully destroys, erases, or conceals the same, with the intent to prevent it or its content from being produced, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

For example:

• Deleting security camera footage to be presented as evidence
• Throwing a stolen gun in the ocean after you’ve been notified of a pending investigation

California Penal Code §135 is penalized as a misdemeanor.

Please note that concealing and destroying evidence in a federal investigation or case carries very serious penalties.

Law Offices of Michael P. Kade, APLC. can help with any civil litigation or criminal defense matter.