Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 1519: Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in Federal investigations and bankruptcy

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law prohibits knowingly altering, destroying, falsifying, or concealing records or documents with intent to obstruct federal investigations or bankruptcy proceedings. Violation carries up to 20 years imprisonment and/or fines.

Read the full statutory text

Whoever knowingly alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, covers up, falsifies, or makes a false entry in any record, document, or tangible object with the intent to impede, obstruct, or influence the investigation or proper administration of any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States or any case filed under title 11, or in relation to or contemplation of any such matter or case, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.