The Consequences Of False Reporting

False reporting to law enforcement is a serious offense that could lead to steep legal penalties and create a permanent criminal record. From jail time to fines, the consequences of a potential conviction for false reporting are severe. You need a relentless attorney to create an airtight defense and fight for your best interests.

If you have been charged with false reporting, get in touch with Grand Canyon Law Group right away. Our legal team could immediately get to work protecting your rights and investigating the case against you to determine an effective strategy.

WHAT CONSTITUTES FALSE REPORTING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT?

False reporting charges can apply to instances of deliberately untrue statements made to law enforcement at the state, county, or local level. According to Arizona law, the crime of false reporting can occur in several situations.

A person can be charged with false reporting if they intentionally make an untrue statement or report to a state, county, or local law enforcement agency. This offense can also involve intentionally making a false representation of fact intending to impede a law enforcement agency or deceive an officer.

DEFENSES TO ALLEGATIONS OF FALSE REPORTING

An experienced attorney could explore various defenses against a charge for alleged false reporting. Examples of plausible defenses to a false report charge could include the following:

• The statement made by the accused was true
• The prosecution cannot prove that the statement was untrue beyond a reasonable doubt
• Lack of intent by the accused
• The accused believed the information was true, even if it turned out to be erroneous

In some cases, it may be possible to show that the report was made under duress or coercion, which could also be a defense against a false reporting charge. There are also circumstances where a false reporting charge can be reduced or eliminated due to procedural errors by law enforcement or the prosecutor’s office. For example, suppose the evidence used to file the false reporting charge was not obtained in a completely lawful manner, or the arrest was conducted without probable cause. Our seasoned lawyers could highlight these elements to push back against the false reporting charge.

THE LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF FALSE REPORTING

The legal consequences of false reporting typically amount to a Class 1 misdemeanor charge and associated penalties. However, a misdemeanor conviction can still result in a long-term criminal record, impacting many areas of someone’s personal and professional life.

Arizona imposes jail sentences and fines for Class 1 misdemeanor convictions. This means that a person convicted for false reporting could still spend up to six months in jail and pay up to $2,500 in fines. Other penalties like probation may apply, as our lawyers can explain.

CALL AN ATTORNEY IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH FALSE REPORTING

When facing a false reporting charge, your quality of legal counsel can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. A seasoned attorney could identify your options for compelling defenses and investigate any procedural or evidentiary issues that could hurt the prosecution’s case.

If you have questions about the consequences of false reporting and how to fight this type of charge, now is the time to seek legal counsel. Call Grand Canyon Law Group today to schedule your consultation with a skilled criminal defense attorney.