Tampering with government records occurs when someone alters, destroys, forges, or conceals official documents with the intent to mislead, defraud, or gain an unlawful benefit. The most frequently altered government records include items such as:

• License Plates and Inspection Stickers
• Birth and Death Certificates
• Driver's licenses, and, ID Cards
• Permits and licenses
• Tax and Voting Records

Note: Tampering with public records or information is typically charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:28-7, which covers knowingly falsifying, altering, destroying, or concealing government records, documents, or official information. However, in some cases — such as physically damaging government-issued property (e.g., defacing a license plate to obscure a number) — the conduct may also fall under Criminal Mischief (N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3), which involves damaging or tampering with tangible property.

Because these statutes can apply to overlapping conduct, it is possible for a person to be charged under both, depending on the specific facts of the case. One statute focuses on the intentional damage to physical property, while the other focuses on the integrity and accuracy of government records or systems.

Where both could arguably apply, a defense may exist based on the proper classification of the conduct and which statute more appropriately fits the facts of your particular case and thus the reason to hire Attorney Aalsberg to do a proper legal analysis of your case for not just factual defenses, but also technical defenses which can lead to a dismissal or reduction of your charges.