FALSE REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IN PA
If Pennsylvania, if you call police to falsely accuse another person of a crime, or to report a crime that never occurred, you may find yourself charged with False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities. This type of conduct could lead to your arrest, or you receiving criminal charges by summons through the mail.
False Reports to Law Enforcement Definition and Penalties
The crime of providing false reports to law enforcement is found at Title 18 Section 4906 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. There are two categories of this crime: falsely incriminating another and fictitious reports.
A person who knowingly provides false information to any law enforcement officer with the intent to implicate another commits a 2nd Degree Misdemeanor punishable by up to 2 years in jail and a $5,000 fine. A person who reports an offense or incident to law enforcement that didn’t occur, or pretends to provide information related to an offense or incident without having such information, commits a 3rd Degree Misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
If the incident occurs during a state of emergency and police resources are diverted from the emergency, your offense will be one grade higher. Also, if the incident relates to the theft or loss of a firearm, your offense will be one grade higher.
Why am I being charged with False Reports?
Many false reports cases involve an accused individual who is in a contentious dispute with the person they have accused. Examples of cases where individuals are charged with this offense include:
Individuals in a dispute call police repeatedly to report alleged criminal activity without actually witnessing a crime;
Falsely accusing another individual of sexual assault;
Individual reports criminal activity where witnesses and evidence contradict the report; and
Victim reports a crime and then recants testimony in court, or when speaking with police.
What should I do if I’m charged with providing False Reports to Law Enforcement?
If you are charged with or are under investigation for providing false reports to law enforcement, it is important to secure legal counsel as soon as possible. However strongly you disagree with the decision to charge you with a crime, you need a lawyer to fight your battles moving forward. Call 412-447-5580 for a free consultation.