Washington D.C. Tampering with Official Enforcement Marks

In legal terms, this offense includes interfering with seals, notices, tags, or posted warnings related to:

• Seizure or impoundment of property
• Eviction notices
• Public health or safety orders (e.g., condemned buildings, quarantine notices)
• Property tags attached during civil enforcement or administrative orders

Such marks are often posted by marshals, code enforcement officers, or other government officials. Unauthorized removal or concealment of these indicators is seen as interference with lawful government administration.

Seizure stickers (commonly known as “red tags”) are used to:

• Notify the public or tenants of ongoing legal action
• Prevent illegal sale or disposal of property
• Secure assets under lien or judgment
• Initiate auction or forfeiture proceedings

Even if the tagged property remains in use, altering the mark can nullify the state’s enforcement rights.

Under D.C. Code § 22–722, obstruction of government functions—including tampering with official markings—can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the nature and consequences of the act.

Potential penalties include:

• Up to 180 days imprisonment for general obstruction (misdemeanor)
• Up to 5 years imprisonment for acts that significantly interfere with lawful court orders (felony)
• Fines up to $5,000, based on the value or risk created by the tampering

Typical scenarios that may trigger prosecution:

• A tenant removes an eviction notice from a rental unit door
• A property owner tears down an impound tag on a vehicle
• A business conceals seizure notices before auction
• A manager transfers tagged assets to another location

Even partial removal or covering the mark with tape or paper may count as criminal interference, depending on intent and effect.

Before engaging with or removing any sticker, poster, or tag:

• Verify whether the mark is part of an active legal action or government order
• Contact the posting authority (e.g., Marshal Service, DCRA, Department of Tax and Revenue)
• Seek written confirmation that enforcement is concluded before removal
  
  If already accused or investigated, it is vital to:
• Consult an attorney to review whether the enforcement was valid and ongoing
• Determine if intent to interfere can be legally disproven (e.g., misunderstanding, mistaken identity)
• Negotiate for reduction from felony to misdemeanor based on factual circumstances

While the red tag or notice might feel like an inconvenience, tampering with it could lead to significant criminal liability in Washington D.C. Always approach government-issued enforcement markings with caution and legal awareness. Seeking professional legal counsel before taking action is the most prudent step when dealing with any sealed, seized, or marked property.