Me. Rev. Stat. » Title 17-A
Maine Revised Statutes

Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17-A, § 455 (2026)

Falsifying physical evidence

✓ laws through the 2025 session (checked Sept. 2026)
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1.  A person is guilty of falsifying physical evidence if, believing that an official proceeding as defined in section 451, subsection 5, paragraph A, or an official criminal investigation, is pending or will be instituted, he:  
A. Alters, destroys, conceals or removes any thing relevant to such proceeding or investigation with intent to impair its verity, authenticity or availability in such proceeding or investigation; or   [PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
B. Presents or uses any thing which he knows to be false with intent to deceive a public servant who is or may be engaged in such proceeding or investigation.   [PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
2.  Falsifying physical evidence is a Class D crime.  
[PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1975, c. 499, §1 (NEW).
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8 cases (4 in the last 5 years), 1995–2025 · leading case: State v. Forbes, 918 S.W.2d 431 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995).
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State v. Forbes, 918 S.W.2d 431 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1995). “100 (Michie/Bobbs Merrill 1990) ("fabricating”); Me. Rev.Stat.Ann. tit. 17-A, § 455 (1983) (“presents or uses”); Neb.”
State of Maine v. Abdirahmon A. Abdullahi, 2023 ME 41, 298 A.3d 815. · cites it 2× “§ 1103(1-A)(A) (2023), and falsifying physical evidence (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 455(1)(A) (2023), entered by the trial court (Cumberland County, Warren, J.”
State v. Samson, 2007 ME 33, 916 A.2d 977. “§ 260(1)(C) (2006); falsifying physical evidence (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 455(1)(A), (2) (2006); and violation of a condition of release (Class E), 15 M.”
Hanson v. State, 1998 ME 221, 718 A.2d 572. “§ 211 (1983)), and one count of falsifying physical evidence (17-A M.R.S.A. § 455 (1983)). The charges were set forth in three separate indictments.”
Bayne v. Mills, No. 2:25-cv-00047, 2025 WL 1248919 (D. Me. Apr. 30, 2025). · cites it 2× “17-A M.R.S. § 455 makes it a crime for a person to present or use anything known to be false with the intent to deceive a public servant who is or may be engaged in a pending official proceeding or official criminal investigation.”
Plourde v. Redington-fairview Hosp., No. 1:20-cv-00011 (D. Me. Mar. 10, 2021). “§ 456 – Tampering with Information – All Defendants; (8) Count VIII – 17-A M.R.S. § 455 – Falsification of Physical Evidence – All Defendants.”
Ismail v. Robinson, No. 2:22-cv-00150 (D. Me. Feb. 26, 2024). “§ 1107-A(1)(B)(3); Falsifying Physical Evidence in violation of 17-A M.R.S. § 455(1)(A); and Criminal Forfeiture pursuant to 15 M.”
Halliday v. Henry, No. CUMcv-16-436 (Me. Super. Ct Dec. 6, 2016). “17-A M.R.S. § 455, (2) nuisances: alteration of surface water flow, pursuant to 17 M.”
Me. Rev. Stat. tit. 17-A, § 455(1)(A): 3 cases
State of Maine v. Abdirahmon A. Abdullahi, 2023 ME 41, 298 A.3d 815. “§ 1103(1-A)(A) (2023), and falsifying physical evidence (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 455(1)(A) (2023), entered by the trial court (Cumberland County, Warren, J.”
State v. Samson, 2007 ME 33, 916 A.2d 977. “§ 260(1)(C) (2006); falsifying physical evidence (Class D), 17-A M.R.S. § 455(1)(A), (2) (2006); and violation of a condition of release (Class E), 15 M.”
Ismail v. Robinson, No. 2:22-cv-00150 (D. Me. Feb. 26, 2024). “§ 1107-A(1)(B)(3); Falsifying Physical Evidence in violation of 17-A M.R.S. § 455(1)(A); and Criminal Forfeiture pursuant to 15 M.”
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