Eingriffsverfälschung

Eingriffsverfälschung is a legal term in German criminal law that refers to the act of falsifying evidence in a way that interferes with the course of justice. It is a criminal offense designed to protect the integrity of legal proceedings.

The core of Eingriffsverfälschung lies in the intentional alteration, destruction, or fabrication of evidence. This evidence can encompass a wide range of items, including documents, physical objects, digital data, or even testimony. The crucial element is that the falsification is undertaken with the specific intent to mislead investigators, prosecutors, judges, or juries, thereby obstructing or perverting the administration of justice.

This offense is distinct from simply presenting false testimony, which falls under perjury (Meineid). Eingriffsverfälschung focuses on the manipulation of the material evidence itself. For instance, altering a contract to conceal a crime or destroying a weapon to prevent its use as evidence would constitute Eingriffsverfälschung.

The legal consequences for Eingriffsverfälschung can be severe, including fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalty often depends on the nature of the original offense being concealed or influenced, and the extent of the interference with the legal process. The purpose of criminalizing this act is to ensure that legal proceedings are based on truth and accurate information, safeguarding the fairness and reliability of the justice system.