Records and Reports

Federal Criminal Laws on Records and Reports

There are many circumstances in which reports must be made to the government and many circumstances in which people are entrusted to maintain government reports and protect their integrity.

It is essential that the federal government have comprehensive and accurate information in order to run programs and make informed decisions, and this means that accurate and honest reporting is required.

In some cases, failing to make reports; failing to properly utilize or protect reports that are made; or making inaccurate reports can actually end up with prosecutors bringing criminal charges.

Since federal criminal charges are serious, you do not want to find yourself in this situation. If you do end up charged with a crime in connection with records and reports, you’ll want to be assertive in taking the right steps to protect your future.

One of the most important steps that you will need to take is to call Nick Wooldridge, a federal criminal defense attorney at LV Criminal Defense. Our experienced legal team has represented clients in Arizona, California, Utah, New Mexico, and surrounding areas who have been accused of violating laws related to reports and records. We know the technical details of the federal criminal laws applicable in your situation and we can put our knowledge to work to help you evaluate the evidence that the prosecutor has, develop a defense strategy, and take steps to minimize or avoid penalties.

Often, there are solutions to avoid jail time based on records and reports, depending how you respond to allegations against you.

The sooner you contact LV Criminal Defense, the sooner we can provide the type of smart advice you need to get acquitted or to reduce penalties through an effective plea bargain. To find out more about the ways in which our legal team can help you with records and reports offenses and other federal criminal charges, give us a call today.

Federal laws on Crimes Related to Records and Reports

Federal criminal laws related to records and reports are found in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 101. The relevant chapter contains six statutes including the following:

• 18 U.S. Code section 2071 – Concealment, removal, or mutilation generally: This statute imposes a penalty of up to three years imprisonment for willfully concealing, mutilating, obliterating, or destroying maps, books, or other documents filed with court clerks, public officials, and judicial officials. Carrying away such documents with intent to remove or destroy them is also unlawful, as is attempting to destroy or damage documents regardless of success. Those with custody of records, books, or other documents who willfully destroy or obliterate them can also be fined and face up to three years imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2072 – False crop reports: This statute imposes a penalty of up to five years imprisonment for knowingly compiling or presenting false information to U.S. agencies when required to compile information on soil.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2073 – False entries and reports of moneys or securities: Officers, clerks, agents, and other employees vested with the duty to keep accounts or records can be fined and imprisoned up to 10 years for creating false records or entries of records with intent to mislead, deceive, injure, or defraud. Officers or employees charged with receiving money or securities on behalf of the U.S. or in trust who intentionally make a false report can also be charged.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2074 – False weather reports: Under this statute, up to 90 days of imprisonment are imposed for knowingly issuing or publishing counterfeit or false weather reports or weather warnings.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2075 – Officer failing to make returns or reports: Officers required by Acts of Congress or by the U.S. Department of Treasury Regulations to make reports can be fined for failure to do so.
• 18 U.S. Code section 2076 – Clerk of United States District Court: District court clerks who willfully refuse to make or forward reports, certificates, statements, or documents as required by law could be fined and imprisoned for up to one year or both.

Because each of these specific statute imposes different requirements with regards to records and reports, and because each imposes its own specific penalties upon those who fail to make required records and reports, defendants accused of violating any provisions of Chapter 101 need to know the specifics of the statute under which they have been charged.

Understanding the details of what prosecutors need to prove can be complicated, but it is important to know the elements of the crime in order to build a successful defense because you should not be convicted if there is reasonable doubt about whether a prosecutor has proven every element of the offense.

An attorney will help you to understand the specifics of the crime you’ve been accused of committing so you will know what that crime entails.

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