What if someone tries to destroy, mutilate, or hide someone’s will?
Full Question:
What if someone tries to destroy someone’s will? Can they get in trouble for that?
02/24/2017 |
Category: Wills and Estates |
State: District Of Columbia |
#32814
Answer:
You can have a look at the relevant law –
D.C. Code § 18-112 reads:
“Whoever, during the life or after the death of the testator, for a fraudulent purpose, takes and carries away, or destroys, mutilates, or secretes, a testamentary instrument, shall be imprisoned not more than five years. In addition to any other penalty provided under this section, a person may be fined an amount not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01].”
D.C. Code § 22-3571.01reads:
“Fines for criminal offenses.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, and except as provided in § 22-3571.02, a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense under the District of Columbia Official Code punishable by imprisonment may be sentenced to pay a fine as provided in this section.
(b) An individual who has been found guilty of such an offense may be fined not more than the greatest of:
(1) $ 100 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 10 days or less; (2) $ 250 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 30 days, or one month, or less but more than 10 days;
(3) $ 500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 90 days, or 3 months, or less but more than 30 days;
(4) $ 1,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 180 days, or 6 months, or less but more than 90 days;
(5) $ 2,500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for one year or less but more than 180 days;
(6) $ 12,500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 5 years or less but more than one year;
(7) $ 25,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 10 years or less but more than 5 years;
(8) $ 37,500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 15 years or less but more than 10 years;
(9) $ 50,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 20 years or less but more than 15 years;
(10) $ 75,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 30 years or less but more than 20 years;
(11) $ 125,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for more than 30 years; or
(12) $ 250,000 if the offense resulted in death.
(c) An organization that has been found guilty of an offense punishable by imprisonment for 6 months or more may be fined not more than the greatest of:
(1) Twice the maximum amount specified in the law setting forth the penalty for the offense;
(2) Twice the applicable amount under subsection (b) of this section; or
(3) Twice the applicable amount under § 22-3571.02(a).”