SOX Section 802 — Criminal Penalties for Altering Documents
Enforced by: SEC
Current as of July 30, 2002
Plain Language Summary
Destroying or altering documents related to a federal investigation is a felony — up to 20 years in prison. Legal holds are not optional once an investigation is possible.
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 shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.